Special Perspective issue – ‘Leading through unprecedented times’

The economic downturn continues to present historic challenges to organizations worldwide. As part of its commitment to helping organizations navigate through these unprecedented times, Mercer has published a special issue of its Perspective newsletter.

This newsletter features candid interviews with some of Mercer’s top experts on health and benefits, retirement plans, pay and talent management, and workforce communication and change. These Q&As dive more deeply into the implications of our recent “Leading through unprecedented times” global survey findings, highlighting critical issues that organizations are facing today and offering Mercer’s ideas and advice on how to address them successfully.

Feature articles

Click on the headlines below to read the individual articles in this issue of the newsletter

Managing the added pressures on retirement programs

The global financial crisis is putting added pressure on organizations to manage their retirement programs cost effectively. Craig Burnett, Mercer’s defined contribution consulting leader in Europe, comments on the findings of Mercer’s “Leading through unprecedented times” global survey and how organizations should balance short-term actions with long-term costs and risks.

Balancing short-term workforce cost savings with long-term results

Organizations have made (and plan more) workforce cost reductions in response to the global economic downturn, but compared to previous downturns, they’re taking a more cautious, phased approach. Steve Gross, global leader of Mercer’s broad-based rewards consulting business,reflects on the balancing act between short-term cuts and long-term results and addresses emerging trends in human capital management.

Recession and rising costs may signal a health care tipping point

Rising health care costs are a universal concern, especially in light of the continued recession. But employers and employees in some countries – especially the US – also are facing the possibility that health reform will significantly change health care systems. Linda Havlin, global intellectual capital leader for Mercer’s health and benefits business, discusses this sometimes contentious topic and outlines employer concerns regarding the future of health benefits.

Moving beyond crisis communication mode

The global economic crisis has shaken employees and employers alike, resulting in widespread insecurity and constant crisis communication. While no organization can predict its emergence from the downturn, Debbie Slappey, global creative leader for Mercer’s workforce communication and change business, believes it’s time to leave crisis mode and start building communication and engagement plans for the future.

Also in this issue

Mercer offers new resources to navigate ‘unprecedented times’

The past nine months have marked a time of unprecedented challenge for organizations worldwide. Fallout from the economic downturn has compelled them to make tough decisions about their businesses and workforces. While the search continues for signs of a recovery by late 2009 or early 2010, the fact remains that many organizations face a steep uphill climb in the months ahead.

New video series examines recession-related business issues 

In a new video series, Mercer’s top executives address the critical business issues that organizations face in the current economic environment and their impact on effective human capital management.

Mercer survey suggests that deep workforce and benefit cuts are moderating

There are signs that deep workforce, pay and benefit cuts are moderating as businesses plan for the remainder of 2009, according to Mercer’s latest “Leading through unprecedented times” global survey. The survey,conducted in May, garnered responses from more than 2,100 organizations with employees and operations in more than 90 countries. The findings summarize challenges related to talent, compensation, benefits and investment strategy that organizations are facing as a result of the current economy. The new survey updates a global survey Mercer originally conducted in November 2008.

Mercer launches ‘unprecedented times’ webcast series

As part of its ongoing effort to help organizations address the challenges of the economic downturn, Mercer is conducting a series of webcasts around the world. The series kicked off in July and will continue through the end of the year.