Welcome to Acsys, Inc.’s Annual Compensation, Benefits and Workplace Trends Guide

We begin the new year with mixed economic signals. On the one hand, news headlines point to scenarios of continuing difficulties, while late fourth-quarter reports generated some optimism for the coming year. National election events will generate intense speculation and “what if ” discussions that not only will exacerbate uncertainty, but will also energize the potential for opportunity inherent with change.

Our survey of over 4,500 accounting and finance professionals mirrors this position. Eighty percent of the executives surveyed indicated a generally confident, yet cautious, feeling for the near future.

The U.S. economy continues to grapple with the subprime mortgage market crisis and housing industry turbulence. Indicators are that the housing industry collapse will continue through 2009. With rather dire predictions of how the housing downturn will ripple through other lines of business and spur unemployment, we find U.S. companies also challenged by rising oil prices, a weakened U.S. dollar, a tight credit market and the possibility of recession.

On a positive note however, the executives we spoke with projected confidence about their own organizations, with 87% anticipating growth in 2008. Staffing and employment trends indicate that hiring managers are firmly focused on recruiting and retaining quality employees who exhibit solid job knowledge. Additionally, companies are preparing for the future through formal Business Continuance Planning activities and are taking more interest in Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Overall, companies seem to be making plans and moving forward with a realistic approach.

In closing, we thank everyone who participated in this project. It is because of our relationship with professionals like you that we have been able to create our 2008 Compensation, Benefits and Workplace Trends Guide. Our goal is to provide you with information that will help you maneuver your business through the year ahead. If you have specific questions or needs, we welcome the opportunity to personally consult with you.

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