Yoh News Release (02/07/12)

A workforce planning survey of executives at 100 Global 1000 companies shows that political gridlock and indecision have relatively little effect on employment decisions compared to economic uncertainty. The survey—commissioned by Yoh, a provider of talent and outsourcing services, and conducted by Amplitude Research—found only 9% of respondents said that political uncertainty will discourage them from adding personnel in 2012. On the other hand, 61% reported that economic uncertainty represents the greatest obstacle to increased hiring in the new year.

The survey also uncovered a number of troubling realities that actually do dampen employment. Many of these factors revolve around the uncertainty of a company’s own hiring practices and could serve to delay a rebound in hiring as the economy heals and opportunities present themselves. The survey asked respondents how long it would take their organizations to recruit and train employees if the economy rebounded to prerecession levels. Approximately 62% reported that it would take three to nine months to find and train enough qualified employees to meet prerecession demand from clients. A surprising 24% of organizations indicated that they only re-evaluate staffing levels as needs arise, and 7% admitted having no plan at all.