In one case, a single man with only a few years of company experience chose of his own free will to seek another job, so that someone else could keep their job. He felt that since he was single, he would have more flexibility than someone else who had been there longer. If administration could let all employees know when downsizing is coming, then employees could make a choice of finding another job. Some people will not find another job unless they're forced to, but at least the opportunity is available. There should be a variety of downsizing options, including part- time work or work at home.
Age is a factor in terms of retirement.
This is an issue about performance. If there is discrimination then we have policies dealing with discrimination. It's because of productivity. Productivity can't work well with people who can't get along. We have all had supervisors who refused to communicate with the employees, they won't talk to their employees, and they miss-communicate through pieces of paper and notes.