LONDON, UK - Hewitt Associates, a global human resources consulting and outsourcing company, has launched its fifth European HR Barometer, a survey of senior HR professionals from companies and organisations with more than 1,000 employees and operations in more than two European countries.

Conducted in conjunction with the European Club for Human Resources (EChr), the survey has become established as a comprehensive and authoritative view of the key HR issues and trends emerging across the continent. The 2010 survey focuses specifically on ways of improving the HR function after the recession, and aims to determine the key priorities and developments that are needed to strengthen business performance across the whole European region. Results will be published in February 2010.

Leonardo Sforza, chairman, Scientific Committee EChr and head of Research and EU Affairs, Hewitt Associates, said:

"Over the past five years, the European HR Barometer has explored the key trends in people management practices across Europe's national borders.  As before, this year's study will analyse the evolving role of the human resource function in a business environment which—even by normal standards—is fast-changing. The study will also give HR professionals an opportunity to share their points of view on European Union policy concerns.

"As with previous years, I am certain that the study will yield vital insights to the business community on how organisations have reacted to the issues of the past two years and how they view the future."

The 2009 HR Barometer found the economic downturn was accelerating organisational change within HR departments, who were anticipating the need for different skills and competencies as a result. Attracting new talent, establishing a leaner HR organisation, and identifying more effective tools to measure HR's value to the business were identified as priority areas of focus.

About the Study
HR Directors with European or global responsibility can complete the survey at the latest by January 22 at the following secure website:http://www.myhewittsurvey.com/HRBAROMETER09&id
All respondents to the study will be entitled to receive a complimentary copy of the survey report. 
The executive summary of the 2009 HR Barometer can be downloaded here.

About Hewitt Associates
Hewitt Associates (NYSE: HEW) provides leading organisations around the world with expert human resources consulting and outsourcing solutions to help them anticipate and solve their most complex benefits, talent, and related financial challenges. Hewitt consults with companies to design and implement a wide range of human resources, retirement, investment management, health management, compensation, and talent management strategies. As a leading outsourcing provider, Hewitt administers health care, retirement, payroll, and other HR programmes to millions of employees, their families, and pensioners. With a history of exceptional client service since 1940, Hewitt has offices in 33 countries and employs approximately 23,000 associates who are helping make the world a better place to work. For more information, please visit www.hewitt.com

About the European Club for human resources (EChr)
The Club was launched in 2001 by Senior Executives of global corporations with a European headquarter and which are market leaders in their sector of economic activity. The mission of the Club is to stimulate debates and exchange of practices on Human Resources issues. Through its studies, working groups and seminars, the Club contributes to promote a European approach to the management of HR and support the strategic role of HR executives in the management of change. For more information, please visit:www.europeanclub-hr.eu/ 

Other Contacts
Sarah Decottegnie, Capital MS&L, on 020 7255 5197 orsarah.decottegnie@capitalmsl.com
Supriya Mathur, Capital MS&L, on 020 7307 5346 orsupriya.mathur@capitalmsl.com