Benchmark results indicate that re-organisation was the 2009 HR topic of the year, driven by a need for downsizing and organisational change aimed at managing costs.

Performance management also ranked high on the list. With recruitment frozen and personnel cuts underway, companies turned their attention to maximizing the performance of current staff and finding new and better ways of working. For some MindShift clients a focus on performance has meant designing and rolling-out corporate-wide performance management processes; strengthening links between performance management and other key people areas; or by focusing on performance efforts in specific strategic areas, such as innovation.

Benchmark results indicate that 2010 will involve a shift in priorities on the HR agenda, with many organizations turning their attention to management planning and development. Due to recent business and organizational change, companies are feeling a need to review their management populations to ensure that they have the right pipelines in place to meet leadership needs as the economy turns. It is also worth noting that several MindShift clients are examining new ways of providing other business-critical talent groups with the focused approach to development formerly reserved for managers.

Re-organisation remains high on the agenda, however with a greater focus on change management and organisational development than was the case in 2009. In terms of HR Operational Excellence, companies are initiating or renewing efforts in HR transformation, HR performance development, HR competence management, and change in HR delivery mode. While 2009 was dedicated to managing organisational challenges at large, it appears that HR functions will give their own development a stronger place on the 2010 agenda.