The place I work just went through a massive hiring phase in the last few months. Then the rug was pulled out the first week of October. They lost half their business overnight, and followed it with massive layoffs. They followed up with their WARN act notifications (imagine if they weren't forced to do that), and laid off everyone they had just hired, plus a lot more. 6 weeks put them at December 23 (right before Christmas, thanks).

I just found out that those who were recently hired got some pretty good signing bonuses. But if they leave before December 23, they'll lose those bonuses. Not because they're critically needed, but because someone that just finished a job search is more likely to leave quickly, and that will save the company on payroll.

Funny how these types of agreements only benefit the employer.