I've seen managers game this kind of system out. 1) Reserve 5%-10% of your staffing for people going to be laid off. 2) Hire people that won't make the cut af

I've seen managers game this kind of system out. 1) Reserve 5%-10% of your staffing for people going to be laid off. 2) Hire people that won't make the cut after 1 year. 3) Fire them 4) Rinse and repeat In other words the only reason they were being hired was so that the manager could protect the performers of this team. Basically if the manager's view is the only one that matters, he can pretty much get away with it.