Assuming that this "vacation buy in" program is a way to allow you more time off without letting you go, it could definitely be because of the current economy. Most companies are looking at ways to reduce cost, but woudn't really want to let employees go. Nobody wants to announce layoffs, and letting people buy in to vacation time off could be a good way to go.
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I would guess that if anything, companies are using the economy as an excuse to get rid of employees. Considering there are so many unemployed people out there, companies don't have to worry as much about benefits and retention. This is also evident from the fact that many companies have a "hiring freeze" right now, and if they are hiring, they are hiring consultants and contingent workers that they can fire at any time and offer no benefits. However, my company routinely sends me discounts, since they have many corporate relationships with such companies from the days of yore. I would investigate it more by calling someone in employee relations, if you are at all interested.
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