What employers are saying
By Kate Lorenz on Apr 1, 2009 in Featured, Job Surveys
CareerBuilder and USA Today released its latest job forecast today. What we can’t tell you is when the job market is going to turnaround, but what we can tell you is what’s top of mind for employers and what may be going on or planned for in your workplace in the second quarter of 2009 (April -June).
The good news? Only 14 percent of employers plan to increase headcount in the next three months. The bad news? Another 14 percent plan to reduce headcount. The good and bad news? 64 percent of employers expect no change in headcount. Translation: This group isn’t planning on layoffs, but they aren’t planning on hiring, either. They are taking a wait and see approach.
CareerBuilder CEO Matt Ferguson said: “We’ll be looking for the market to stabilize over the next three to six months, when you’ll hopefully see job losses below 100,000 and eventually closer to zero. Employers want to hold on to their talent and are taking measures to contain costs and bring in new revenue streams, so they can maintain their staff levels.”
The survey found six employment trends during this second quarter.
Employers are …
- Trimming perks and benefits: 31 percent of employers expect there will be cuts in benefits and perks including bonuses, 401(k) matching and healthcare coverage
- Upgrading talent rosters: 23 percent of employers are using this time, when hiring has slowed, to replace lower-performing employees with new talent.
Workers are …
- Postponing retirement: 60 percent of workers over the age of 60 are postponing retirement due to the impact of the financial crisis on their long-term savings.
- Transferring skills: 71 percent of workers who were laid off and have not found work are looking for jobs outside of their chosen profession.
- Relocating: 39 percent of workers who were laid off and have not found work are willing to relocate to find a job.
- Going back to school: 21 percent of all workers surveyed are going back to school to become more marketable.
What are your hopes or plans for the coming months?
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