Forced reduction in hours
WOCO Frank
496 Posts
We have a relatively nice problem. We're overstaffed with productive employees. Through technology changes, we've vastly reduced the workload of our office and clerical staff. Initially, we tried to come up with additional things that needed to get done, but we've run out. Now, at about 2 p.m., everyone is done with their work and they sit around and gab, go on extended smoke breaks, or whatever.
Ownership is reluctant to do anything about this, because these are mainly longtime employees *and* we are about 4 months away from a potential acquisition that would increase their workload again.
I get to be the bad guy.
My first thought is to ask if we have any volunteers to go parttime, at least through the summer. If I don't get any, I will probably shorten the workday.
1. I would appreciate your thoughts on potential pitfalls I might be exposed to.
2. Our two employees most affected by the reduction of workload are salaried. How can I effectively and legally reduce our labor costs there?
TIA
Ownership is reluctant to do anything about this, because these are mainly longtime employees *and* we are about 4 months away from a potential acquisition that would increase their workload again.
I get to be the bad guy.
My first thought is to ask if we have any volunteers to go parttime, at least through the summer. If I don't get any, I will probably shorten the workday.
1. I would appreciate your thoughts on potential pitfalls I might be exposed to.
2. Our two employees most affected by the reduction of workload are salaried. How can I effectively and legally reduce our labor costs there?
TIA
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