In a typical workplace, only 29 percent of employees are actively engaged in their jobs, while 71 percent are disengaged—either not engaged at all (54 percent) or are actively disengaged (17 percent), according to the most recent Gallup Management Journal’s Employee Engagement Index.

Are you prepared for a recession?
Recession and Talent Management Facts:
“In this market, many companies are carefully evaluating ways to motivate and retain their valued employees as financial results and compensation values are plummeting,” says Michael Kesner, leader of Deloitte’s executive compensation services. “Employees are looking to senior leadership for some direction on the best way to survive this economic downturn,” explains Kesner. “Employers should take this opportunity to channel employees’ concern into positive action. Incentive programs are a very effective tool for focusing the workforce on key initiatives to position the company for future success when this market turns around.” Incentive Plans Hit Hard by Economy; Retention Efforts Increase, SHRM.org, 10/14/08

“Times are rough. Unemployment is hitting numbers we haven't seen in over a decade, and companies are looking to cut costs. ‘Cutting back on employees may be the easiest way to save money, but it's very short-term thinking,’ says Bette Price, a certified management consultant in Dallas. Once the costs of laying off an employee are totaled -- severance, a smaller work force, heavier workloads for other employees, and the possibility there may not be the same level of talent available once the tough times are over -- it makes sense for companies to consider other cost-cutting moves.” WSJ.com, 1/26/09

Worsening labor market prospects and ongoing announcements of further layoffs likely weighed heavily on consumers minds in February… Confidence was also shattered by plunging stock prices and further deterioration of wealth. Consumers’ plans to purchase large ticket items worsened further in February, with only plans to purchase major appliances improving slightly from the previous month’s reading. –Brian Fabbri, BNP Paribas

Consumer assessments of the economy collapsed in February to its lowest level in the 41 years that data has been collected. Much of this weakness is due to accelerating job losses, deepening house price declines, soaring foreclosures, tighter credit standards, financial market volatility, and political wrangling in Washington. Confidence is deeply, deeply mired in recessionary territory, resulting in big declines in real consumer spending. –Stephen A. Wood, Insight Economics