A fire alarm rang at 4 pm in a large office campus when almost all employees
were present ( approx 5,000 people ).

As per past fire-drill practices, the entire office was quickly evacuated
within 3 minutes, and all employees gathered outside the complex in
designated areas waiting for further announcement.

Before long, the fire drill officer in-charge made the following broadcast
over their loud-speakers system :

" My dear colleagues : With sincere regret, I have been asked to announce
that for many of you, this will be your last evacuation drill with us. Due
to the on-going recession and bad business climate, the company is laying
off almost 50% of its staff. So when this announcement finishes, I ask all
of you to move back into the building.  And if your swipe-card does not
work, then it means that you have been laid off, in which case you will not
be allowed inside, and all your personal belongings will be couriered to you
by tomorrow.

The company is using this innovative, never-before approach as we do not
want to choke our email system with lay-off notices and farewell messages
going by the thousands, and we also wish to avoid any fighting inside the
office and the consequent security issues for all staff.

We hope you have had a rewarding career with us.  Now please move back in…
and good luck ! "