Bersin Study Finds Companies Reinvesting in HR

June 14, 2011 – Bersin & Associates, a research and consulting firm focused on enterprise learning and talent management, has found that U.S. organizations are starting to reinvest in human resources services and staffing following the economic downturn of the past three years. Organizations on average spent 1.4 percent more on HR programs, services and systems in 2011 than in 2010, with $1,218 spent per employee, according to the March 2011 study. Some of these funds went to hire additional staff, as HR headcount increased an average of 1.8 percent this year. Most organizations focused investments on core services such as compensation, benefits, payroll and employee relations, which accounted for about 60 cents of every HR dollar. Approximately one-third of the HR budget went to talent management, as organizations invested more in recruiting and development initiatives. “Organizations at all levels are now talent constrained and business leaders want to re-engage their workforces to drive innovation and execution,” said Josh Bersin, CEO and president.