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Originally Posted by gribble  It may seem like semantics, but there's actually a world of difference. It's generally much more cost efficient and predictable to use temporary workers who are hired for a specific project/duration. Well run businesses are all about predictability and repeatability. |
It's certainly very different from the employee's part of view, but your overriding assumption here seems to be that these layoffs are unexpected. I doubt the
WotC staff looked back at the layoffs after 3.0 and 3.5 and said, 'that won't happen this time'.
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Originally Posted by gribble Permanent staff on the other hand expect (and let's not get into the debate about whether this expectation is valid or not), that once they're given a job it is theirs until they are no longer capable or willing to perform it. |
Okay, we won't get into it. Though I'd suggest it's quite relevant to the discussion, and avoiding it avoids an important aspect of the discussion.
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Originally Posted by gribble Consequently, when they're laid off there is a lot more ill-will towards the company and unease among the retained staff (the "who's next" syndrome). |
Indeed. You seem to feel that
WotC has not considered this. I find that unlikely. They most likely considered it, but decided on this business model anyway because it is only one consideration out of hundreds, if not thousands, of things.
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Originally Posted by gribble Sorry, but having been a contract worker I'm going to call BS on that one. Contract staff are subject to the same confidentiality agreements, and expected to have the same commitment to a project as permanent staff. |
Legally, yes. You've been a contract worker. Have you also been a manager? The management perspective is quite different from the staff/contractor perspective.
Maybe
WotC can't attract the talent they want without offering full-time positions? Maybe the reaction is "I'm not moving to Seattle for
one contract, even if it does last 12 months."
There are all kinds of reasons why this business model could be the best for
WotC, before jumping to "it's not a well-run company".
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