AGM's No-Layoff Policy

Long-time ESOP company AGM Container Controls has a 13-point policy to prevent layoffs. The plan, available online, includes some pieces of common wisdom (hiring slowly, hiring from within, and cross-training), some open-book principles (communicating openly about any projected downturns), and some refreshingly non-modern ideas. Instead of outsourcing, the company may insource contracted services or nonrecurring tasks like painting. During slow times, the company may build up inventory or do comprehensive counts of its own inventory. The results? Increasing employment over 20 years.