Small businesses still interested in hiring, survey says

Friday, April 3, 2009

Small businesses still interested in hiring, survey says
Atlanta Business Chronicle

Small businesses are still planning to put out the help-wanted signs, just not as frequently and with fewer spots to fill, according to a survey by TriNet Group Inc.
The TriNet HR Trends Survey found that 55 percent of small businesses intend to hire someone during the year, down from 80 percent in the survey conducted in November and December of last year.
Two-thirds, or 65 percent, of respondents who were looking to fill jobs said the current talent pool was better than normal.
If faced with reducing personnel costs, 31 percent of respondents said they would reorganize staffing, such as making sure they have the right people in the right places. Twenty-five percent would choose to lay off rather than reduce salaries and benefits, and 20 percent of those surveyed said they would reduce salaries and benefits for all or some employees to avoid layoffs.
The San Leandro, Calif. human resources outsourcing company surveyed more than 300 small businesses in the technology, financial services and professional services sectors for its quarterly report.