Among the changes will be a return to traditional business and a growth in loyalty since career opportunities at dot-coms are becoming less attractive, DBM says. After 50,000 layoffs at dot-com firms last year, many workers will return to traditional companies for stability and structure. Eighty percent of 69 consultants said loyalty will increase for traditional businesses. We believe changes will result in renewed employee loyalty in 2001, although this loyalty is conditional. Corporate culture, DBM's survey found, will be critical for attracting talent.
Salary is the second most important factor, followed by career- development opportunities.
Employers in 2001, according to the survey, will also work to improve their means of eliminating jobs. One of every 10 workers who lost their jobs in 2000 first told a colleague of the job loss, sending a strong signal to employers that the manner in which they lay off employees directly impacts their reputations. As a result, DBM says HR professionals will place further emphasis on establishing sound employee separation practices to effectively manage organizational change and job loss. Moreover, the survey found that older workers will continue to be sought for positions in 2001. Read other Human Resource Executive magazine stories from our archive.