How Has the Downturn Impacted You and Your Job?

It has been more of the same. My company has been downsizing since 9/11. The workload is impossible (our department is down to three, from twenty) but management does not seem to pay attention since they've been cut too. We just keep piling on the backload. Ironically, some of the burden has lessened because customers are not happy with our service anymore and are cancelling orders. That'll probably bring another layoff, and eventually no way to fill orders without outsourcing or hiring temps. I thought that management would never allow our service reputation to get tarnished, but now that the horse is out of the barn I guess it doesn't matter anymore.

There are positive lessons, if I ever get a chance to use them. First, if layoffs must be made it is better to base decisions upon employee productivity and knowledge rather than politics. Second, focus upon products and customers that have a proven track record instead of Marketing's delusion of saving the company with pie-in-the-sky ideas. Third, keep doing research and development on our core product base (instead of cutting all R&D to save money). Fourth, continue staff development and relationships with local colleges (again, all cut to save money). Fifth, reward the staff who has irreplacable skills and experience instead of chasing them away with politics and overloading.