HR managers in China who aren’t reading Frank Mulligan’s Talent In China  site  are missing out on an important resource. His Nov 10 post - Slower Hiring - Window of Opportunity  reads like Recession HR 101, and will be extremely useful for local HR managers who are experiencing their first economic downturn.
“So we can look forward to a continued reduction in demand for staff as the world economy continues to go into decline. This scenario even assumes the Chinese government goes ahead soon with a proposed large scale stimulus program that we are hearing whispers about. Even if it is announced with-immediate-effect, the relief will take time to translate into hiring.
As a result of all this, people working in HR may find themselves with extra time on their hands over the next few months, and very little budget to pursue their ideas. Below are a few simple suggestions as to what you might do; suggestions that require more time and less money. They assume you are not in the process of actually firing people. Most higher tech companies in China have not had to face yet this issue yet”
Frank goes on to give Chinese HR managers a comprehensive to-do list for these slow times. His highly constructive ideas include surveying top employees and asking them why they accepted the job when they were hired, spending time with line managers to see what behaviors they want to see more of - and less of, and developing an online newsletter to keep potential candidates interested. The list goes on - and provides you with a game plan for insuring that YOU are not one of the victims of your company’s downsizing plans. Read it - before it’s too late!
