Employee Exchange Program

What is it?

The Employee Exchange Program (EEP) is a counter-seasonal workforce exchange that allows Rhino and its partnering companies retain their well-trained staff and avoid seasonal layoffs while keeping employees working full time.

Opportunity

In 1993, Rhino Foods was faced with the issue of excess staffing brought on by efficiency improvements and an unexpected drop in sales.  Ted Castle, the owner of Rhino Foods, was not interested in laying off his employees.  Instead, he turned to his staff to explore creative solutions to reduce their workforce while at the same time maintaining well-trained Rhino employees in the long-term.

What did we do?

Twenty-six employees volunteered to form a committee to generate alternatives to layoffs.  Through a series of creative brainstorming meetings, the concept of the Employee Exchange Program was born.  After securing buy-in from key veteran employees, several of Rhino's “best” workers went to a neighboring manufacturer demonstrating to the entire company that the program was viable. Since that time, the program has been a success for all involved: Rhino keeps its skilled workers long-term, the employees avoid the stress and upheaval of layoffs, and partnering businesses experience the same benefits for their companies. 

Results

• We have developed long-term employee exchange partnerships with more than ten local Vermont businesses.
• We have saved thousands of dollars in staffing costs while retaining our skilled employees in the long-term.
• We have strengthened the sense of community and trust at Rhino Foods by continuing to improving the program and maintaining the commitment to avoid layoffs.  
• We have also shared this concept with hundreds of companies to impact the manner in which business is done.