Cheezhead Recruiting News and Opinion

A new CareerBuilder.com survey finds that nearly 40 percent of the 3,000 HR reps and managers polled plan to make administrative cuts at some point in 2009.

Furthermore, 65 percent of those who plan on cutting costs are also scaling back on company events like social gatherings and picnics. Sixty-one percent will curtail business travel.

One-in-four employers (25 percent) expect to scale back on healthcare benefits and one-in-ten (11 percent) plan to reduce wellness benefits.

“Employers are making tough decisions on where they can allocate spending and resources during this downturn while at the same time keeping in mind the importance of retaining their top talent,” said Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder.com. “While reigning in spending in certain areas, we also see companies offering more flexible work arrangements and placing an increased emphasis on employee recognition programs to help maintain job satisfaction levels within their organizations.”

Other spending cuts planned include:

•Special office perks – i.e. coffee, ice machines, discounted vending
- (34 percent)
•Incentive trips – (28 percent)
•Philanthropic activities – (21 percent)

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