It is difficult to build a loyal labor force in the Midwest landscape industry when employees have to be laid off for 4 months a year. What if there was an alternative?

This webinar showcases WorkShare Illinois. This is a new state program that allows for a reduction in hours without having to lay off workers. This program allows for retention with a balance between hours worked and unemployment benefits to match hours not worked (based on a 40-hour workweek). During slow periods, an employer/employee could mix regular hours and unemployment compensation without ever having to lay off and rehire the employee. The program has intriguing potential for companies who push snow, do dormant pruning, or simply want to find a way to keep employees throughout the entire year without casting them back into seasonal unemployment.

The program is flexible, but has certain requirements:
• Employers can reduce hours to 20-60% in the downturn.
• Employers can reduce hours AND use unemployment benefits to supplement the lost hours.
• The program reduces payroll for the business while employees don't get laid off.
• The program minimizes unemployment insurance costs.
• Employees keep their jobs and continue to receive job-related benefits.

Learn more: https://ides.illinois.gov/employer-resources/workshare-il.html