Murray Resources Monthly – August 2009




Employers are Finding Ways to Deal with the Economy


By Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder.com

Entering the third quarter, employers everywhere are still feeling the effects of the current economic climate. Companies are finding ways to deal with the downturn, however, and a few are even increasing head count. A new survey from CareerBuilder and USA Today, conducted by Harris Interactive, examines how employers are handling the recession and their expectations for staff levels and compensation in the upcoming quarter.

Although the most recent numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show lob losses are moderating, the job market is not likely to experience significant job creation through the rest of 2009. Most employers expect their staff levels to remain the same this quarter, according to the survey. Businesses will continue to be conservative in their hiring and maintain focus on existing human capital.

Quarterly hiring
In the second quarter of this year, 64 percent of employers reported no change in head count and 18 percent said they increased staff levels, which is a 13 percent increase from the first quarter. Seventeen percent of businesses reduced their number of full-time workers, marking progress from 26 percent that made cuts in the first quarter.

In terms of hiring this quarter, 68 percent of employers said they don’t expect to increase the number of full-time, permanent employees in the third quarter. Fifteen percent, however, say that they will be increasing staff levels and 10 percent expect to make some cuts.

Hiring by region
Eighteen percent of employers in the Northeast and the South plan to increase full-time, permanent head count in the third quarter. In the West, 13 percent of hiring managers have plans to recruit, little change from the second quarter. The ongoing challenges within the manufacturing sector, however, caused the Midwest to drop from 14 percent to 11 percent of employers who are hiring. Eleven percent of hiring managers in the Northeast, West and Midwest expect to trim staffs, compared with 6 percent in the South.

Compensation in Q3 2009
Employers continue to be conservative with pay increases this quarter, as only 41 percent of employers expect to increase salaries for full-time, permanent employees — unchanged from the second quarter. But 47 percent of employers expect no change in compensation levels and only 7 percent expect a decrease.

Of employers who are increasing pay, 28 percent estimate the amount will be between 1 and 3 percent; 12 percent expect an average raise of 4 to 10 percent, while only 1 percent expect raises to be 11 percent or more.

How employers are managing the economic downturn
The challenging economy is causing employers to rethink ways in which they can save money and retain employees. Here are six ways employers are attempting to do so:

1. Postponed start dates
In an effort to secure talent while delaying expenses associated with hiring new staff, 8 percent of employers have presented job offers with postponed start dates this year. Of these employers, 42 percent provided a pay incentive, while the remainder did not.

2. Furloughs
Furloughs, or temporary layoffs, have been seen more and more in the past year. Ten percent of employers have instituted mandatory furloughs for employees over the last six months. The majority of furloughs were one week or less, while 28 percent were one to two days.

3. Pay cuts
An unfortunate, but often necessary, way to contain costs is by implementing pay cuts, which 16 percent of employers have employed in the last six months. Of those who instituted cuts, 28 percent said all salaries were reduced by 5 percent or less, while 33 percent had decreases of more than 5 percent. Thirty-nine percent reported that cuts varied according to salary and/or title.

4. Hiring freezes
Although job losses are trending downward, some employers are still unable to create new positions within their organization: 69 percent of employers reported a continued suspension of hiring this quarter.

Forty-four percent of employers have instituted a hiring freeze over the last six months, but of these employers, 31 percent stated that they will be hiring going forward.

5. Revised sick policies
Thirteen percent of employers are changing their sick time or paid time off policies in order to cut costs this year, offering fewer days, not allowing days to roll over or limiting the amount of days that can roll over.

6. Fewer perks and benefits

This year has caused 43 percent of employers to cut employee perks and benefits, mainly in bonuses, 401(k) matching and medical coverage. Other areas affected are free condiments, employee incentive trips and academic reimbursement.


Top Temp

Congratulations to Tanya Wells for being selected Murray Resources’ Top Temp for the Month of August. Tanya has worked with Murray Resources at a client location since December of 2007! She has consistently exceeded our customers’ expectations with her unbelievable project experience, and has constantly demonstrated dedication and a strong work ethic. Thanks Tanya! Your hard work has not gone unnoticed!


Hot Jobs

International firm is seeking an Executive Assistant for an executive at their DT Houston office. Qualifications for ideal candidate for this executive is an individual who is highly intelligent, has strong interpersonal skills, executive presence both in person and on the phone when dealing with clients, has a strong team orientation, is flexible with work hours and is comfortable with scheduling meetings and calls across international time zones. Must have strong writing skills, be an exceptional multi-tasker, have extremely high output capability, be mature in their approach to work, be proactive and anticipate what needs to be done, and have solid overall computer skills. He/she must be confident and comfortable working with people at all levels. Candidate must be able to help others on a moment’s notice with pitch packs, presentations, preparations for client meetings, etc. It is extremely important that this person be a true team player as this is a very small office. Salary is up to $60K DOE. Please contact Christie Ivey (civey@murrayresources.com) for more information.

Born to sell? Some people just have a natural sales personality, and if that describes you, you’ll thrive in this west Houston financial products firm that focuses on the fixed annuity, life and long term care industries. As a Sales Associate, you’ll be actively involved in building new business and in servicing and growing existing accounts via heavy cold calling and telephone follow up. Ideal candidates will be degreed and have a minimum of 2 years prior sales experience in life insurance. We are seeking outgoing individuals that are high energy, hungry to succeed, quick leaner and very computer literate. Compensation package includes a base salary + commission/bonus potential and excellent benefits. This is a starting position in the sales department of this company. Successful individuals will be quickly promoted from this position! Kimberly Shelton (kshelton@murrayresources.com) is ready to answer any questions.

Murray Resources is assisting our Conroe area client fill two (2) temp-to-hire Appointment Setter positions. In this role, you will be contacting merchants to schedule appointments for their nationwide network of independent sales reps, who will meet face-to-face with these business owners to sell their services. With goals of 100 calls/e-mails per day, you will track activities and communicate with the Business Development Manager. Maintaining a positive, professional attitude while being a team player and cooperating with all departments is VERY important. Ideal candidates will have 2+ years of telemarketing or similar in professional service industry, communicate well with excellent oral and written skills, outstanding phone skills, proficient with Microsoft applications, possess problem solving skills, take initiative and have a desire to learn. Great hours M-F, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. $10-$12/hr. DOE. If this is of interest, please contact Sherri Horn (shorn@murrayresources.com).

West Chase O&G related company has a need for an Executive Assistant to support in the HSE department. Must have experience supporting an executive level and have excellent knowledge of MS Excel. Will be inputing very important information into Excel so accuracy is extremely important. This person must be detailed, focused and have high accuracy. Salary is $41K to $45K DOE. Kimberly Shelton (kshelton@murrayresources.com) is the contact for this opening.

Gas Transportation company located in Downtown Houston area is seeking an Administrative Assistant to support a Sr. VP and 5 VPs in the Gas Marketing Department. Qualified candidates must have strong PowerPoint and excellent writing skills, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Duties include calendaring, expense reports, general administrative duties, and answering phones for the Department. This is a GREAT temporary opportunity that could have the potential to become a permanent position. Salary $40-$45K DOE. Please contact Sherr Horn (shorn@murrayresources.com) for more information regarding this position.