Budget Cuts

What do you do when you have many employees and an ever decreasing budget? A local business has gained my admiration with their efforts to decrease spending and save jobs. While some of the measures are a bit extreme, the results might be extended employment in the fact of an economic crisis, so it might just be worth it.

The saving money campaign of this business began with subtle signs beside the elevators, pleading with workers and customers alike to take the stairs and save energy. So, ok, I took the stairs (at least half the time). What the heck? I could stand to get into shape. So, even though I thought I was going to die by the time I reached the 7th floor, I still attempted to take the stairs when I could. I can do my part.

Next, they decreased the heat. This I did not take so well. I like being warm and I REALLY hate winter so the thought of possibly being cold sort of upset me. But, because I know the limitations of the budget, and because I have no say in the matter, I went along with it. I simply started wearing a jacket and even putting my winter coat on over it when necessary. In the grand scheme of things this really isn't all that bad.

Then I noticed that the offices of the building were dark during the day. Were they closed? Had their hours changed? NO! The employees there had been urged to turn off some lights on sunny days in yet another attempt to save money. I wonder how much money such a thing could really save. But at least they haven't yet started forcing the patrons to use such measures. Customer service still reigns supreme. And as long as they could still see the papers on their desks without too much trouble, what could it hurt?

Still, I wonder what will be next. Will the staff have to resort to using ancient typewriters instead of computers in order to save a small amount of money? Will offices be combined so that they can shut off portions of the building and not have to worry about heating those at all? At what point will they have to stop trying to do patchwork savings and start sacrificing big things? I honestly hope it never comes to that. With the current job market I know that this business is honestly trying to save the jobs of its employees by making cuts where they can. I actually admire them for it! And, honestly, the employees seem to be happy with the efforts and genuinely glad just to have their jobs. I just really wish that circumstances would not force such measures.