Global market research firm ORC International recently released the results of its HR Reflections survey, to which more than half of the respondents indicated their organization is performing better than it was a year ago.
Researchers contacted almost 800 public and private sector human resource professionals, internal communications consultants and employee engagement specialists across the nation to ask about a number of current and future HR issues.
The improvement in overall outlook included a jump from 16 to 63 percent of respondents focusing on growth rather than stability, compared to January. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed said they plan to award bonuses equal to or larger than those given out last year, up from about half. The survey also reveals 83 percent of the sample is considering raises by the end of the year, an increase from the two-thirds doing so in January.
"Overall, it is encouraging that HR professionals are optimistic about the economy and seeing the light at the end of the recessionary tunnel," said research director Matt Roddan. "However, it is troubling to see engagement levels in the U.S. remain low. Now is a crucial time for organizations to engage with their employees, to ensure key talent is retained as the economy recovers."
The signs are regarded as positive indications that the economic downturn's effects on attitudes have decreased, while staff retention and recruitment have improved. This may increase the need for HR operations and employee benefit plan administration, since their responsibilities will grow as their organizations do.
