Containing information that Human Resources (HR) leaders dealing with tough economic times should find interesting, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – the world's largest association devoted to human resource management – recently released new data detailing the thoughts of employees on everything from job risk in the current down economy to overall job satisfaction and employee benefits trends.

The findings – from two surveys and one poll – were highlighted at the 61st Annual SHRM Conference & Exposition in New Orleans and included the following data.

SHRM Employee Benefits Survey:

• 60 percent of HR professionals say the recession has caused their organizations to scale back or hold steady on benefit offerings.
• Compared to 2008, fewer organizations in 2009 were providing housing and relocation, business travel, and other employee benefits.
• HR professionals reported fewer companies offering companywide performance awards, community volunteer program benefits, and discount ticket services, while some planned to reduce or eliminate holiday parties, company picnics, and company-purchased tickets to events during 2009.

SHRM 2009 Job Satisfaction Survey:

• 58 percent – a majority – of employees reported the current economy had no effect on their overall job satisfaction.
• HR professionals (72 percent) and employees (63 percent) both placed job security at the top of the "very important" aspects of job satisfaction.
• HR professionals (69 percent) and employees (60 percent) also ranked benefits high as an aspect of job satisfaction.

SHRM "Continued Economic Downturn: Employee Perspective" Poll:

• The number of workers who believed their job is "not at risk" dropped slightly to 47 percent compared with 51 percent roughly six months ago, while those who think their job is "significantly at risk" held steady at six percent.
• The percentage of employees who described their job as "slightly at risk" rose from 31 percent in January to 35 percent in June while those who believed their job to be "moderately at risk" held steady at 13 percent.
• If the economy continues to decline over the next six months of 2009, 35 percent described their job as "not at risk" compared with 36 percent who said "slightly at risk." Seventeen percent reported "moderately at risk" and 11 percent reported "significantly at risk."

Pre-Employ.com – a nationally recognized background check and employer services provider – understands the myriad of problems and increased amounts of stress HR professionals face in this uncertain economy. The company offers a suite of flexible and cost-effective services to assist HR departments with pre-employment screening including background checks, drug test, and fingerprinting, as well as talent management, tax credits/incentives, unemployment claims, “green” initiatives, and FREE incoming employment/salary verifications.

For more information, download Pre-Employ.com's complimentary white paper "Your Employee Data, How To Prevent Its Reselling and Offshoring," visit http://www.pre-employ.com, email info@pre-employ.com, or call 1-800-300-1821. For HR professionals attending the 2009 Annual SHRM Conference & Exhibition from June 28 to July 1, 2009, in New Orleans, LA, visit Pre-Employ.com at Booth #1951. To read SHRM surveys, visit: http://www.shrm.org/Research/SurveyFindings/Pages/default.aspx.

Press Release: Pre-Employ.com Alerts HR Leaders To Dangers Facing Data Privacy At 2009 SHRM Conference

tahearn@pre-employ.com

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