Ohio employers have options to consider before deciding whether to lay off employees.  Did you know in Ohio there’s a voluntary layoff aversion program?  It allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity.   The current COVID-19 pandemic would certainly apply.  This program has been in Ohio for several years, but employers may now be in a situation they need to understand and utilize these benefits.

Under a SharedWork Ohio plan, the participating employer reduces affected employees’ hours in a uniform manner. Reduction percentages must be at least 10% but no more than 50% of the normal weekly hours of work. The participating employee works the reduced hours each week, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) provides eligible individuals an unemployment benefit proportionate to their reduced hours.

Employers should provide the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services with a list of participating employees and specify their normal weekly hours or work, not to exceed 40 hours and not including overtime.  Part-time employees may also be eligible, but all employees in an affected unit must have their hours reduced buy the same reduction percentage. 

For additional information, please contact our office for assistance or visit the ODJFS website at:

http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/SharedWorkOhio/index.stm