In an apparent move to avoid layoffs, Limited Brands Inc. reassigned 25 warehouse employees to help clean up Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio, for the month of August.
Spokeswoman Tammy Roberts Myers told The Columbus Dispatch that the workers were offered the alternate work option as a way to keep them employed during the downturn. But it also was part of the retailer's volunteerism efforts. Limited Brands, the publicly-held owner of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, is based in Columbus.
"Limited Brands passionately supports its associates in making a difference through volunteerism," she wrote in an e-mail to the newspaper. "This opportunity allowed us to support our community while keeping our associates employed during a slower time in the business. It was a positive outcome for everyone."
The workers were paid their normal salary by Limited Brands for their graveyard work. The company also did not receive any tax credits or incentives for making employees available.
The employees cleared brush and vegetation from an iron fence that surrounds the 380-acre cemetery. Part of fence at the 161-year-old graveyard was also painted.
"They made the cemetery look so much better, and we've gotten several calls from customers saying it looks great," said Linda Burkey, Green Lawn's general manager. She noted that this is the first time a company had its employee work 40 hour shifts at the cemetery.
The article noted that Ohio's unemployment rate is 11.2 percent. Brian Harter, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, said he didn't know of any statistics on companies pursuing alternative options for workers during slow times.
"The situation with the economy is so unique right now, companies are going to look for different ways to do things," Mr. Harter said.
Discussion Questions: What do you think of Limited Brand's move to find alternative, volunteer work for its employees? As a shareholder, would you be happy with the move?