While the prospect of a recession in the US is having an
impact on markets globally, it’s important to remember
that economies endure their inevitable downturns, and
innovation, positive change and fresh opportunities
often result. But the onset of financial hardship puts
human-capital strategies to their ultimate test: Are
people an investment to be managed or an expense to be
reduced? Rather than overreacting to bad economic news,
companies that stay the course in tough times and bring
solid solutions to their workforce challenges will be
better positioned for the long term. 2008