Pressure on HR departments is increasing, according to a recent report from Information Strategies. The study of 1,018 HR professionals found 71 percent said their position became more difficult in 2011, while more than half reported reductions in staff and financial allocations.
About 40 percent expected their department's funds to get even tighter next year. Among the issues they are attempting to cope with in this climate of higher demands and restricted resources is finding talent, a difficult proposition amid high numbers of applicants.
Most of those surveyed indicated morale building, staffing and benefit cost reduction efforts take most of their day, limiting time available for other responsibilities. They cited employee morale maintenance and the retention of valued personnel as key concerns, particularly in light of current economic conditions.
Two-thirds of the HR personnel said their attempts to help the company deal with the consequences of economic recession are preventing them from finding solutions for their problematic workloads.
Approximately 90 percent indicated efforts to secure outside expertise and assistance were limited in effect due to their limited resources and time.
