How are CEOs and executives thinking about talent in this economic environment? Deloitte reports findings in a series of global studies. Part One of Managing Talent in a Turbulent Economy: Playing both offense and defense explains how executives are focused on cutting costs and reducing headcount while taking a strategic talent perspective. Findings include:
• More than 50% will restructure jobs to cut costs.
• 40% want to attract specialized talent.
• 30% are looking for leaders.

Part Two of Managing Talent in a Turbulent Economy: Navigating a course through rough waters focuses on cost cutting: layoffs, headcount reductions, and retention methods. There’s also a podcast on talent in tough times called The pink slip dilemma: Talent management in a downturn.

Threading the talent needle: What global executives are saying about people and work features findings from 28 one-on-one interviews conducted by Deloitte and Forbes Insights with CEOs and other business leaders in a dozen countries.

They agree that talent management is essential to business success and remains top of mind for boards and executives. But current economic factors are making them juggle the priorities of cost reductions, engagement, and aligning talent to business goals for future growth. The report summarizes the findings in this call to action:

In the end, a company’s ability to attract, develop, and retain critical talent is the key to sustained performance and competitiveness.

Read these studies and interviews for more insights about the business power of succession, diversity, and employment branding—even in tough economic times.