By comparing forecasts for labor supply and demand for specific jobs, HR planners can determine whether there will be a labor surplus or a labor shortage for certain categories. The second step in human resource planning is to define specific goals regarding a desired outcome and provide benchmarks for determining the relative success of a program aimed at addressing labor surpluses or shortages. There are a number of strategies for addressing the issue of a labor surplus that vary according to expense, speed, effectiveness, and the amount of human suffering.

Each statement below describes an option for reducing an expected labor surplus. For each question, select the correct answer based on the speed of the proposed reduction in labor and the amount of human suffering incurred.

Argo$-$Tech recently purchased the power accessories division of TRW Inc. All employees eligible to retire were encouraged and sometimes forced to do so$.$

Human Suffering Low, Speed: Slow

In September $2020,$ the Progressive Insurance Companies announced a company reorganization to increase efficiencies and reduce costs. In November $2020,$ Progressive announced a reduction$-$in$-$force of $340$ people.

Human Suffering: Low, Speed: Slow $,vv$

When GM downsized its Janesville assembly plant in Wisconsin, some employees were offered an opportunity to stay on board and share job responsibilities with other workers.

Human Suffering: Moderate; Speed: Fast $vv$

When a restaurant chain has an employee surplus as one of its locations, it many allow the extra employees to work at another location where there is not a surplus.

Human Suffering: Moderate; Speed: Fast $vv$

Cedarcrest Town Council trustees regularly hire new animal control officers. In February $2020,$ however, the trustees discussed the possibility of not hiring for the position for the coming calendar year.

Human Suffering: High; Speed: Fast $,$

With a shortfall in its operating budget, John Carroll University in Cleveland asked administrators to take unpaid leave.

Human Suffering: High; Speed: Fast $,vv$