Companies Building Networks to Maintain Contact with Laid Off Employees
In Sunday's New York Times, an article appeared about companies establishing alumni networks on the Internet for people who have recently left due to layoffs. These networks are aimed at workers with technical skills who would be difficult to replace if/when business conditions improve.
This article is interesting because it points out a trend in personal networking mediated by the Internet that is in the mutual interest of ex-employees and businesses. There is no reason why these networks cannot be used to obtain jobs at other employers, instead of the employer who maintains the alumni network. Also, if the alumni network turns out to be a vital on-line community, the employer may be able to tap ex-employees' networks of business associates, so that they find new employees that had not previously worked for them.