(From PRWEB) -- In response to the sluggish economy, many corporations either froze or cut pay in 2009. Even as the economy starts showing signs of life, a majority plan to remain conservative when it comes to pay practices in 2010. The WorldatWork 2009-10 Salary Budget Survey, January 2010 Update (fielded in October 2009), found that 52% of U.S. employers froze pay for some or all employees in the 2009 recession, while 13% cut pay.

Will employees see their pay restored in 2010? At least 22% of organizations that froze pay in 2009 are planning to prolong the freeze into 2010, while 54% plan to resume normal pay activities this year. More than a third said they were in a recession (in October) and were not in a position to unfreeze pay.

Of those organizations that cut pay, 37% said they remained in a recession and were not yet considering recovery actions; 29% planned to restore pay in full, while 15% said the pay cuts were permanent.

"Employers are taking a 'wait and see' stance when it comes to returning to normal pay practice," said Jim Stoeckmann, CCP, compensation practice leader at WorldatWork. "There are risks both ways. Moving too fast in restoring salaries and merit budgets leaves employers vulnerable if the recovery fails to materialize. Moving too slowly creates the risk of turnover as employees look for a better opportunity with another company. Even with jobs scarce, there are always opportunities for employees with the right skill set."

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