The secret war against American workers

Salon.com: "The deepening recession is giving some businesses the excuse to fire people they'd have had to keep on in better conditions...

The mainstream media has generally sketched a picture of a labor market in which, under the pressure of an economic meltdown, workers succumb to two types of downsizing. In one, a fierce recession forces businesses, desperate to cut costs in terrible times, to lay off workers. They, in turn, face grim prospects for gainful employment elsewhere. In a kinder, gentler version of the same, employers, desperate to cut costs in terrible times, offer -- or sometimes force workers to take -- "furloughs," salary cuts, union givebacks, four-day work weeks, or unpaid holidays rather than axing large numbers of them...

When employees police their own behavior for fear of the ax, bad times have an upside for management."

In an environment of uneasiness, or unfortunately even fear, you could think of it as "policing" your own behavior. However, it may be healthier to frame the issue as an opportunity to focus on your own professional development. Stay sharp, and get frequent feedback from your colleagues on your weekly / monthly output.

You can't always control your job security, but you can control the work you do.

• So, how's your work?

Read the full article or leave us a comment with your take.

Photo credit: Salon.com

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