Rob Don, senior policy adviser in employment policy at the CBI talks about the CBI/Harvey Nash work patterns in the recession survey.
Why should businesses be interested in the survey?
The data collected in this survey provides a very useful source of information for business. It will enable organisations to benchmark their employment and HR strategy against the wider market and to plan for the future.
The survey covers a wide range of HR decisions, from headcount and recruitment plans, to reward and training investment.
Why does CBI run the survey?
The data provides vital information to assist our employment lobbying work. Member evidence drives our discussions with government and opinions formers. The timely and detailed information the survey provides is essential for understanding the impact of the recession on employers and for identifying the measures which would assist them.
How important is Harvey Nash’s involvement with the survey?
It’s a productive and mutually beneficial relationship for us. The partnership of the CBI and Harvey Nash provides both visibility and credibility – and from a practical point of view, Harvey Nash as a leading recruitment firm is also perfectly positioned to help market the survey among senior HR professionals.
And finally, what is the key finding in the survey?
What is really striking is how innovative and flexible business has been in the recession. Business undoubtedly faces some very tough challenges, but what comes out is the extent to which organisations and their employees have demonstrated determination and adaptability to reducing labour costs while saving as many jobs as possible.