2012 Executive Employer Survey Report

Littler Mendelson, the nation’s largest employment and labor law firm, recently released the results of its 2012 Executive Employer Survey Report.   The data was collected during April and May via email to in-house counsel, human resources and C-suite executives primarily throughout the U.S. 

The respondents included In-House Attorneys/Corporate Counsel (45%), human resources professionals (41%) followed by C-Suite executives and other professionals (7% respectively). 

Addressing multiple areas of workforce management, including recruiting, retention, and training, the survey also addressed the impact of the presidential election and the candidates' perceived ability to create jobs. 

Underemployment, difficulty in transitioning away from a job that is not a good fit to one that is, and a removal of resources, all continue to be barriers to today's job market.  Sixty-seven percent of respondents say that underemployment is continuing to impact the workforce as a result of "inability to secure high-level jobs."  85 percent say that job immobility is still an issue and 91 percent indicated workers today are asked to do more with less.   However, it is encouraging to note that 71 percent of the respondents say their company plans to hire new workers within the next 12 months.

In addition to job creation, top issues expected to receive a high priority from President Obama were healthcare reform (81%), union organizing (64%) and workplace discrimination matters (59%). 

Presidential candidate Romney will place a high priority on immigration reform (50%) and healthcare reform (48%). 

Regardless of the presidential outcome, respondents think that the next president will assign a very high priority to job creation (85% Romney followed by President Obama at 70%).

In addition to addressing regulatory issues such as healthcare reform, anti-discrimination and the NLRB, healthcare reform and Union organizing appear to be the top concerns.  A strong majority (64%) of respondents felt that healthcare reform would have a significant impact on the workforce over the next few months.  NLRB/union organization matters followed closely with 41%.  This is likely attributable to controversial "right to work" legislation in states including Wisconsin and Indiana and its effect on organized labor.