Do You Use the "L" word?

While I wish I were talking about the "L" word "love," I'm actually talking about the "L" word "layoffs." Friday was a tough day for me with regards to the "L" word. Two industry buddies touched base with me to let me know they were let go that very day. No sooner had I gotten off the phone with one than I got an email from another letting me know his company had conducted a RIF that morning.

Ugh. When will this bleeding end? I know this needs to happen. One of the most poignant moments I recall from getting my MBA is when a speaker told my class, "companies don't exist to employ people." He was right. Companies exist to make money. Still, it's tough when these business cycles continue to affect people with whom you're used to interacting at industry meetings and trade shows.

Looking back at our coverage and Talk topics for the last 6 to 9 months or so, I realized that we've covered a lot of layoffs in our news section, but we've never talked about it casually here in The Talk. So let's talk about it now. We haven't been immune to layoffs at Window & Door, and I'm guessing you have your fair share of stories to share too. Please send an email my way and let me know how layoffs have impacted your company.

As a result of the current recession, my company: Has had to conduct no layoffs, and hopefully won't have to   Has made significant reductions in our workforce   Has conducted minor layoffs   Has not had to make cuts yet, but is likely to before we escape the downturn   If poll form doesn't work in your email, Click Here.

Contact Christina Lewellen, senior editor, at clewellen@glass.org.