U.S. job losses for the past three months may only be the beginning

Chief Executive, The, April-May, 2008

Of more than 250 U.S. and 150 Canadian employers surveyed by Mercer, many reported that they are considering job freezes or downsizings as a result of the changing economic environment. Only 6 percent of respondents anticipated expanding staff. Some companies are reconsidering their compensation budgets, with 6 percent saying that they have already reduced their 2008 budget since the beginning of the year and another 10 percent saying such a reduction is under consideration.

Are you considering or instituting staffing level changes?

United States

No change               60%
Expanding                6%
May freeze or downsize  33%

Note: Table made from pie chart.

Canada

No change               70%
Expanding               12%
May freeze or downsize  17%

Note: Table made from pie chart.

Source: Mercer