Although U.S. companies generally lay off people during recession, some Japanese companies, such as Toyota, prefer to use downturns to train their workers on the latest manufacturing techniques .Clearly, this human resource management strategy is a short term expense for Toyota, yet it positions the company well when the economy picks up again. Moreover, periods of higher unemployment often spur an uptick in entrepreneurship as the opportunity cost of starting a new venture falls. Need proof? Now famous companies that began during recessionary periods include Microsoft, FedEx, GE, Revlon Cosmetics, and Hyatt Hotels.