According to Right Management research, two-thirds of organizations are not planning to make cutbacks, but instead anticipate focusing their talent management efforts on retaining and engaging their workforce in 2009.

Right Management surveyed over 700 human resource professionals in North America to gain insight into their talent management strategies for 2009 by asking if organizations would be focusing on reducing their workforces or retaining and engaging employees. The results showed that in 2009:

- 67% of organizations plan to focus their efforts on retaining and engaging workers
- 33% of organizations plan to reduce their workforce

Effectively managing talent will be a top priority for organizations looking for ways to successfully navigate the current economic climate while continuing to meet business objectives, advised Right Management's President and COO Douglas J. Matthews. "While layoffs are anticipated given the market volatility, what is surprising is that so many organizations are planning to invest in their employees. Organizations need to keep key positions filled. And the best strategy is to develop the employees they have to meet current and future needs so they can respond quickly to changing market demands and remain competitive."

Matthews cautioned that in an economic downturn, employers need to work harder to ensure employees remain engaged and focused on their work. "Acknowledging their concerns - listening and demonstrating empathy - can go a long way toward sustaining engagement in your workforce. Information is empowering. A leader's ability to communicate effectively is critical so that employees don't get side-tracked with assumptions and speculation."