A new survey revealed that Nearly half of workers polled (49 percent) said that after the economy improves, the most effective way to keep them on board will be pay increases. In fact, 28 percent plan to ask for a raise. Employers seem amenable, with 40 percent stating that increasing pay will be their primary method for retaining top performers.

A recent survey revealed that 61 percent of workers report they always or usually live paycheck to paycheck just to make ends meet, up from 49 percent last year and 43 percent in 2007. Thirty percent of workers with salaries of $100,000 or more report that they too live paycheck to paycheck, up from 21 percent in 2008.

How are workers getting by?

• 21% of workers say they have reduced their 401(k) contributions or personal savings in the last six months to get by. (Six-figure earners aren't exempt, either; 23 percent report doing the same to make ends meet.)
• 36% of workers say they do not participate in any programs such as 401(k), IRAs or retirement plans at all, up from 31 percent in 2008.
• 33% report that they don't put any money aside and into their savings each month, up from 25 percent in 2008

Because we want to best serve our readers, we feature a segment of our Newsletter where you can submit questions directly to our OperationsInc professionals. Do you have a question related to the management of the Human Resources function? Email it along to enewsletter@operationsinc.com. The best ones will make it into a future newsletter, along with the answer... and those that don't get published will still receive a response.

This week's question:
"What should my firm expect in terms of benefit plan changes, increases, etc. for 2010?"

--- CFO, Consumer Products Firm

Answer:
2010 is going to be a year like most and also perhaps a year that changes it all when it comes to benefits. Specifically the plans and plan designs, as well as costs, are pretty much the same as in past years. However the Obama administration promises to change the landscape with sweeping changes to benefits and their delivery. You can't control what may or may not pass, leaving us to focus on our renewals for 1/1 and our ongoing attempts to control costs while still delivering solid coverage. Increases are expected to be in the 8-15% range. You can learn more by attending our webinar on 10/15. Click HERE for more information and to register.

"To think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted."

- George Kneller

Information provided in The OperationsInc Navigator is researched and reviewed by the HR experts at OperationsInc. The information in every issue of The OperationsInc Navigator is in part gathered via information available in the public domain, as well as in part the original, copyrighted work of OperationsInc and is protected under U.S. copyright laws. As such, you may not reprint or publish in any format any article or portion of article The OperationsInc Navigator without the express permission of OperationsInc.

OperationsInc provides the information in this e- newsletter for general guidance only. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional human resources, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation.

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