Some refrain from layoffs during recession (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Even as the recession cuts deeply into their revenue, some companies are opting to do the unconventional: They’re keeping all their employees and finding other ways to trim costs. Their strategy isn’t about mercy. It’s built on the notion that layoffs bring high costs and hassles of their own. Profits at Costco Wholesale Corp. are down 27 percent from a year ago, but the discount store has not …