From Recession to Retention

by Paula Santonocito

What a tumultuous year it's been. Layoffs, pay cuts, and hiring freezes dominated the news for the first six to nine months of 2009. However, suddenly, the mood appears to be shifting.

A survey from global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas finds employers embracing the spirit of giving. A full 64 percent of those surveyed plan to hand out holiday bonus checks this year.

Sure, acknowledgement of the tough year and rewards for jobs well done may be behind some of the bonuses. But employers are also looking to keep workers happy, and keep them, as the calendar page turns to 2010 and the economy turns toward recovery.