June 4, 2025
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Share Badr Ait Ahmed Why the maturity of your HR function sets the ceiling for workforce planning impact Workforce planning is gaining visibility in
Business leaders are spinning with this ever-changing landscape of global trade policies and tariffs. I am myself find this situation a tad overwhelming and maybe you are too. This climate of uncertainty presents a significant challenge for businesses.
Companies reliant on international supply chains or export markets face ongoing uncertainty, making workforce management increasingly complex.
This article will discuss a potential solution that the Canadian government has made available: a Work-Sharing Program. Implementing this approach will allow businesses to reduce working hours instead of resorting to layoffs. We will explore how Work-Sharing can be integrated into Workforce planning strategies to enhance agility and resilience amid tariff fluctuations.
Companies take longer to scale up their workforce than to downsize. In competitive markets, delays in ramping up can be costly, leading to lost market share while competitors move ahead. While often seen as a quick cost-saving measure, workforce reductions are not always the best approach. Organizations must consider long-term impacts, including the challenges of rehiring and retraining.
One alternative is work-sharing, a policy initially designed for recessions but effective in sudden market shifts. Instead of layoffs, companies reduce working hours, with government or subsidy programs providing partial wage compensation. This approach enables businesses to adjust their workforce dynamically, avoiding the long-term costs associated with rehiring while maintaining agility in changing market conditions.
Tariff policies can change abruptly, causing cost increases, supply chain disruptions, and demand fluctuations. If a tariff is imposed today and lifted in a few months, businesses need a flexible workforce strategy to avoid unnecessary layoffs and costly rehires.
Work-Sharing provides a strategic alternative by offering:
Businesses can navigate tariff volatility by leveraging Work-Sharing without sacrificing their long-term workforce stability.
Businesses can integrate Work-Sharing into their workforce strategy by following these key steps:
Several industries have successfully used Work-Sharing to navigate economic instability:
By proactively adopting Work-Sharing, businesses can enhance resilience and maintain workforce continuity in unpredictable trade conditions.
While Work-Sharing is an effective strategy, it comes with challenges. Businesses must navigate legal and regulatory requirements, ensure fair compensation for affected employees, and maintain productivity despite reduced hours.
As global trade uncertainty persists, companies need agile Talent strategies to stay competitive. Work-Sharing helps mitigate labor-related risks by:
By proactively integrating Work-Sharing into workforce planning, businesses can strengthen resilience, enhance flexibility, and ensure long-term sustainability in an unpredictable economic environment.
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Share Yannick De Garie Business leaders are spinning with this ever-changing landscape of global trade policies and tariffs. I am myself find this situation