Firms Shave Costs Without Layoffs

Some companies are finding creative ways to cut labor, and keep it, too. Brandeis University, for example, convinced 30% of its instructors to forgo 1% of their pay. "It can save a few jobs," reasons an English prof who's hardly alone. Many workers have accepted reduced hours, unpaid vacations, and wage freezes—even cuts—if it keeps afloat the company, and saves their jobs, the New York Times reports.

Dell, Cisco, Motorola, Honda, and the Seattle Times are among businesses that have tried to keep employees while shaving costs. They reason that the economy could recover as suddenly as it sank, forcing companies who laid off to shoulder rehiring and training costs. "In 2000, it was like 'cut the heads,'" remembers one business owner. This time, she axed holiday bonuses instead.
(More layoffs stories.)