Challenges & events
Budget Cuts
Budget cuts require layoffs if the observatory has five or more excess non-special employees. Rehiring above the minimum required normal staff is restricted for six months. Refusing layoffs applies a daily financial penalty but grants reputation for protecting staff.
Minimum excess staff5
Maximum layoffs5
Rehire restriction180 days
Penalty duration180 days
Choice A: reduce staff
If the observatory has enough excess normal employees, you can satisfy the cut by laying off staff. A rehire restriction then prevents immediately rebuilding the same excess headcount.
Choice B: protect the team
Refusing the layoffs applies an extended daily financial penalty. In exchange, the observatory gains reputation for retaining staff. This turns the event into a strategic cash-versus-institutional-standing decision.
Special staff are exempt from the normal layoff pool.