Weathering Storms: Human Resources in Difficult Times Book

Introduction: Making the Right Decisions During Economic Downturns Peter Cappelli 1

Part I Proactive HR Solutions

1 When Business Hiccups-The Prepared HR Pro John Sweeney 8

2 Managing Employees in a Downsized Environment Marcia Scott 10

3 Managing a Downturn Susan J. Wells 14

4 Riding Out the Storm with Clear Explanations Steve Taylor 20

5 Many Plan To Scale Back Benefits, Pay Raises as Economy Slows Stephen Miller 24

6 As Staffing Slips, Recruiters Must Work Harder Theresa Minton-Eversole 26

7 Recruiting Grads Theresa Minton-Eversole 30

8 Address Financial Ills To Reduce Other Workplace Problems Rebecca R. Hastings 34

9 Prune Employees Carefully Adrienne Fox 38

10 Reduction in Force and Employees with Performance Problems 44

11 Employers Using Benefits To Help Employees Fill the Tank 46

12 Tighter Times, Leaner Technology Jennifer Taylor Arnold 48

13 Soft Real Estate Market Impacts Corporate Relocation Programs Stephen Miller 54

14 Personalized Transition: Workers Are Demanding More Sophisticated Outplacement Services Donna M. Owens 56

15 Easing the Burden of Financial Stress in the Workplace Elizabeth Agnvall 62

16 Easing the Burden of Employees' Debt Peter Weaver Gina Rollins 66

17 Employee Forgivable Loans Anne St. Martin 72

18 Keep Workers 401(k)-Focused Nancy Hatch Woodward 74

19 The Difference between a Furlough, a Layoff, and a Reduction in Force 80

20 Selecting Employees for Layoff 84

Part II The Tools: Definitions, Guidelines, Sample Policies, Letters, and Forms

21 WARN Notice 90

22 Older Workers Act Waiver 92

23 Letter of Transfer 94

24 Transportation Benefit Plan Enrollment/Change/Cancellation Form 96

25Transportation Benefit Plan Reimbursement Request 98

26 Telecommuting Application 100

27 Compressed Workweek 102

28 Flextime Request Form 106

29 Flexible Work Arrangement Agreement 108

30 Alternative Work Schedule Policy 110

31 Job-Sharing Memo of Understanding 112

32 Summer Flextime Policy 114

33 Summer Flextime Request Form 116

34 Take the Summer Off Program Policy 118

35 Work Sabbatical Policy 120

36 Work Sabbatical Leave Form 124

37 Voluntary Reduction in Force (RIF) Separation Program 126

38 401(k) Plan: Hardship Withdrawal Request 130

39 Layoff and Recall Policy 134

40 Low-Need Time 136

41 Separation Agreement and Release of Claims 138

42 Reduction in Force Selection and Severance Pay 142

43 Involuntary Termination Policy 146

44 Sample Letter: Benefits Changes Due to Reduction in Hours 148

45 Sample Letter: Layoff or RIF-Lack of Work 150

46 Sample Letter: Reduction in Force-Declining Sales 152

47 Sample Letter: Termination Because of Layoff, Downsizing, Etc 154

Conclusion: After the Layoff: How Are You Feeling? Adrienne Fox 156

Additional Resources 164

About the Contributors 168

Endnotes 170

Index 172