Layoffs are not necessarily the best way to go. My daughter was considered by many at her place of employment as one of the best employees. She earned more than most others so when layoff time came the corporate office picked her for layoff. One of the disadvantages of living in a "right to work" state. Cutting back hours is no fun but if necessary it can help to weed out the bad employees who eventually quit. If you can get them to leave then you are left with only the good ones.