A fire
alarm rang at 4 pm in a large office campus when
almost all employees were present (approx 5,000
people ).
As per past
fire-drill practices, the entire office was quickly
evacuated within 3 minutes, and all employees
gathered outside the complex in designated areas
waiting for further announcement.
Before
long, the fire drill officer in-charge made the
following broadcast over their loud-speakers system
: "My dear colleagues : With sincere regret, I have
been asked to announce that for many of you, this
will be your last evacuation drill with us. Due to
the on-going recession and bad business climate, the
company is laying off almost 50% of its staff. So
when this announcement finishes, I ask all of you to
move back into the building. And if your swipe-card
does not work, then it means that you have been laid
off, in which case you will not be allowed inside,
and all your personal belongings will be couriered
to you by tomorrow.
The company
is using this innovative, never-before approach as
we do not want to choke our email system with
lay-off notices and farewell messages going by the
thousands, and we also wish to avoid any fighting
inside the office and the consequent security issues
for all staff.
We hope you
have had a rewarding career with us. Now please move
back in… and good luck !
