Resources to assist businesses facing potential layoff decisions

The economic challenges that dominate our headlines and make for provocative water cooler conversation are nothing new, but the resources available through the staff expertise at the Quad Cities Chamber are.

The Chamber has a team of professionals with skills and access to networks that provide services critical to helping businesses navigate a challenging economic climate in our community.

Particular programs that might be of interest to local employers facing layoff decisions are the WorkShare IL program and Iowa’s Voluntary Shared Work Program

• WorkShare IL, a program of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), is a voluntary program that provides employers facing a decline in business with an alternative to layoffs. The program allows an employer to reduce the number of hours worked in any unit of their business in order to avoid permanent layoffs. Each employee in an affected unit continues to work but experiences a reduction in hours that ranges from 20% to 60%. Employees receive a corresponding percentage of unemployment benefits during the period of temporary reduction to offset the reduction in earnings.
• The Voluntary Shared Work Program (VSW), administered by Iowa Workforce Development, is Iowa's version of short-term compensation. The program is intended for use as an alternative to layoffs and has been an effective tool for businesses experiencing a decline in regular business activity. Under VSW, work reductions are shared by reducing employees’ work hours and Unemployment Insurance partially replaces lost earnings. By avoiding layoffs, employees stay connected to their jobs and employers maintain their skilled workforce for when business improves.

The number one workforce development strategy is “employee retention.”  With tools like these you’re able to retain the skilled employees you have through challenging economic times. 

With the ongoing threat of workforce challenges, Chris Caves, VP of Business and Economic Growth at the Chamber, is advocating for you as a member of the State of Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, as the chairperson for our Illinois Local Workforce Innovation Board #13 and as a Business Committee Member for the Mississippi Valley Workforce Board in Iowa.  She promotes workforce funding, training programs and incentive programs every day. 

Contact us directly for assistance with workforce resources.