This post is fictional and does not relate to any person or company. Le’s say that you’re flying home and get talking to the person in the next seat. He’s got a problem. His business is short of funds, he’s installing a new printing press and it won’t be operational for nine months. Until then, there are three shifts of personnel with little to do. Laying off his personnel is not a good option as these people are highly skilled and will be difficult to replace.
You say:
One: “Things are tough all over. Good luck.”
Two: “I’m not in manufacturing, but highly skilled or not, I’d lay them off and deal with rehiring later. Better than losing the company.”
Three: “Have you considered temporary employment for your people? As you’ve said, they’re highly skilled. You’ll make money on their labor. You can keep them from being hired away from you with a clause in the employment contract that your people can’t be hired for two years. By then your new press will be up and running.”
Got another idea?