Compensation Resources, Inc. (CRI) has released the results of its 2009/2010 Annual Salary Budget Planning Survey.  The purpose of this study was to obtain compensation data used for trending and planning purposes at companies of all sizes, locations, and industries.  Data was compiled from survey questions that were developed by CRI and distributed to companies in over 20 industries, in addition to Not-for-Profit organizations.  The survey sampled compensation data from a variety of organizations, collected in August and September 2009 from a total of 302 participants.

Companies continued to be very cautious in 2009 relative to their compensation budgets, and caution will persist into 2010.  Not only have budgets been affected, but companies are still experiencing layoffs, hiring freezes, pay reductions, and givebacks. 

In recognition of the uncertainty in the market relative to high unemployment rates and reduced hiring, this survey covers other important employment data, such as layoffs, hiring freezes, staffing increases, salary freezes, and cutbacks in pay.  Other major points mentioned in this survey cover short-term and long-term incentive plans and the compensation package mix.