Which of the following is a strategy to consider when there is a surplus of workers?

When addressing a surplus of workers, implementing restricted hiring is a strategic approach that helps manage the workforce effectively. This strategy involves limiting the number of new hires, which can prevent further exacerbation of the existing surplus. By controlling the inflow of new employees, an organization can stabilize its workforce size and align it more closely with current needs. This is particularly important in times of economic uncertainty or when business demands fluctuate, as it ensures resources are not wasted on unnecessary recruitment.

Other options, such as increasing recruitment efforts and offering promotion opportunities, are generally counterproductive when facing a surplus. Increasing recruitment would add more individuals to an already overstaffed situation. Similarly, promoting individuals during a surplus may overlook the necessity to manage existing employee roles effectively, potentially leading to further imbalances in workforce distribution. Changing selection standards could lead to hiring less qualified candidates, which may not align with the organization's need to optimize its existing workforce. Hence, implementing restricted hiring is the most appropriate strategy in this scenario.