The economy

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For example, a couplew of surveys were done recently by some largse humanresources firms. More than 1,000 companies were asked about paying their Forty percent of them plan to reduc e amounts allottedto raises. Sixty-two percenft said bonuses will be smallerthis year. Twenty-fivee percent are planning a hiring freeze. Another 25 percent are planninhg onincreasing employee’s contributions to health Pay raises are being cut. So will severance Why? It’s the economy! Another survey forecastds spending on technology to decrease by almost half from what had been Saks Inc., the luxury retailer, plans on cutting its capitakl spending from $125 million to $75 million next year.
The city of Philadelphias is trying to close a bigbudgetf gap. My wife is cutting back on hair appointments to only twicera week. Oh, and by the way — the number of companiew doing holiday parties will fall toa 20-year low. Maybew they’ve been reading some of my columnd about what a wastethis is, too. And everyone’s accepting these huge Every day we’re expecting to hear abouft more companies reducing their Employees seem to be taking the cutsin stride. They’rew just happy to have a job. Even my wife is learninh to face adversity with a smile and abaseball cap. Why? It’s the economy! You know what? Recessions can be a pennty pincher’s dream.
Now’s the best time to get rid of the That guy in shippingwho can’t seem to remember how to load a skid properly twicr in a row? Gone. The cost accounting assistant that seemsd really busy but you can never reallyg quite figure outwhat she’s doing all day? History. The salesx guy who spends more time hitting on your receptionist than theactuao phones? See ya. Running a business is tough when you have to be thebad guy. Many of us accepy mediocrity becausewe don’t have the energy left to fight or fire someonew … our spouses and childremn sap it all out of us. But like manna from heaven, God has brought upon us the bestexcusw ever. The economy! The recession.
The Aah! What a beautiful way to wease out ofour promises. It’s the perfect rationale for making some longneeded It’s not just about changing the deadweight You can feel comfortable getting rid of that 87-year-olr cleaning lady who doesn’ft clean. You can call your key suppliers and beg for a cost You can call your phonr company and beg for a little help with yourmonthly Everything’s negotiable because everyone’s skittish. No one wantx to lose the business over a few bucks a But a few bucks saved a month from a bunchb of different places adds up to more inthe Why? It’s the economy!
I’m blaming my baldnesss on the economy (the anxiety has causec my hair to fall I’m blaming my rudeness on the economyg (my nerves are I’m blaming this season’s lousy “Heroes” on the economy (gee, they must have cut back on writers). Penny pinchera must get rid ofunderperforming people. Renegotiate contracts. Beg for price reductions. Lock in lower monthly payments. Plead poverty. Screan for assistance. Why? It’s the economy ! Because in a few months the opportunity will havepassexd us. Things will turn around. Pricez will rise. Unemployment will fall. The sun will And we won’t have the economy to blame anymore.