When our high tech company merged with another high tech company, we got an email that said "Talent selection will begin next week." What an absurd way to describe a layoff! Anyway, a friend of mine that had been with the company for 13 years got laid off. After serving the company for 13 years, she was no longer talented enough?!
I survived the layoff because I brushed up on my song-and-dance act which included a dachshund (wiener dog). I think the animal act one them over!
Dilbert is expressing a slightly flawed premis. The implication is that the typical talent level will be improved. Many of the current employees are likely doing fine according to the new standard.