With every recession I've lived through, and I've now lived through a few of varying severity, the same thing inevitably happens. Marketing staffs are cut early and deep as even long-time employees are not immune.
Invariably, when times improve, full-time marketing personnel are once again hired. I've always wondered why firms are so quick to add permanent staff instead of using contract labor or agencies until they more clearly identify their requirements and work load. Sometimes, if the recovery is weak, some of the new hires are quickly dismissed.
I don't believe this is driven by costs in most cases as fully burdened permanent employees can cost as much as contractors. I wonder, given the scope and length of the current downturn if more companies might not opt for using contractors this time around.
Your thoughts?
