More than 500 Oregon employers are already enrolled in Work Share, which lets businesses cut hours instead of jobs while workers receive partial unemployment benefits.
The Oregon Employment Department is urging employers to sign up before conditions worsen, saying the program helps retain skilled staff, preserve benefits and speed a rebound when demand returns.
Eligible employers need at least three workers paid Oregon wages; seasonal and temporary employees cannot participate, and the program carries no fees or obligation to use it after enrollment.
Oregon Weight Loss Surgery said Work Share helped it avoid multiple layoffs and keep long-tenured staff, underscoring the program's role as the state promotes it amid elevated unemployment.