Akademik

n.

Downsizing a company's workforce to the point where the number of employees remaining is deemed to be "right" for the company's current condition.

"Downsizing became popular a few years ago to replace layoffs, but then people started thinking downsizing was too negative, he says. From that, 'rightsizing' was born."

— L. M. Sixel, "New terms, old ideas," The Houston Chronicle, May 8, 1995

"Downsizing' is the term commonly used to describe strategic corporate cutbacks. But Roy S. Roberts, vice president of personnel administration for General Motors Corp., prefers a different word. He terms the monstrous task of trimming GM's salaried staff by 25% 'rightsizing,' contending that it will make the automaker leaner, meaner, and more competitive."

— John H. Sheridan, "A matter of perspective," Industry Week, January 4, 1988