Human Resources

By Gerald Kamens

“More downsizing,” she told her deputy. “Half of our employees by mid-December.”

“HR’s cut to the bone already. How can we do it that quickly?”

“The Chief said, ‘Humanely.’”

“As the Chief proceeds to maximize company profits.”

“Let’s see what we can accomplish by closing time.”

At day’s end, the company’s Security Manager stood in her doorway, holding a large empty cardboard box.

“Time to go, Ruth. Your deputy know about his promotion yet? Give me your company keys, please. I’ll help carry your mementos out to your car.”

“You’re all heart, Cliff.”

“I’ll probably have my own box next week.”