In President Obama’s inaugural address, he called on Americans to make sacrifices in order to get through these difficult economic times in our country.  He asked for each one of us to stand up and take action.  So, what does this look like to you; how can you sacrifice to help others in our country?  With more layoffs expected throughout the nation in 2009, how can we make a difference? 

There has been quite a bit of discussion on what workers are willing to do to help fellow employees as layoffs seem imminent in many American businesses.  Would you be willing to take a pay cut or have your hours cut in order to save the job of a friend or coworker?  Doesn’t it make sense for a company to temporarily cut wages for all employees by 10% instead of cutting 10% of the workforce?  Yet, statistics show that this is not the case.  Most employees when given the option do not support the idea, and businesses still chose to slash jobs over wage rates. 

Is it really more disruptive and damaging to morale to lose staff instead of wages – even temporarily?  If that is the case, then what sacrifice can you make to help others – and will you really do it?