A recent survey of HR managers shows they think — or at least hope — we’re ready for a turnaround.

Some of the highlights from the survey from consultant Watson Wyatt:

• 53% say they’re not planning any layoffs for the next 12 months
• 67%  say they’re not going to use hiring freezes
• 76% aren’t anticipating salary freezes
• 70% won’t change employer contributions to 401(k)s and other retirement plans

There’s one idea lurking behind the numbers: The managers surveyed are saying, “We’ve done all we can to cut back, so there just isn’t any more we can do.”

On the downside:

• The managers surveyed said hardship withdrawals from retirement plans went up — 35% said they saw such withdrawals in February, compared to 44% in April
• Also in the February-to-April comparison, the number of companies that decreased or eliminated 401(k) matches went from 12% to 22%.

The numbers from the full report are at www.watsonwyatt.com/news/press.asp?ID=21018.

Tags: 401(k), HR, layoffs, Watson Wyatt