SHRM Poll, Rumors in the workplace regarding uncertainty in the U.S. economy

1. SHRM Poll, Rumors in the workplace regarding uncertainty in the U.S. economy October16, 2008

2. In your opinion, have the following situations increased, stayed the same or decreased at your organization over the last 12 months as a result of the uncertainty in the U.S. economy? Note: Respondents who answered “Not sure” were excluded from the analysis.

3. Has your organization had to address rumors of downsizing/layoffs in the past 12 months? n=482 Note: Respondents who answered “Not sure” were excluded from the analysis.

4. What steps has your organization taken to acknowledge and/or address employee’s concerns during this time of economic uncertainty? n=398 Note: Percentage does not total 100% as multiple response options were allowed.

5. In the past 12 months has your organization confronted/disciplined any employee for spreading rumors or eavesdropping? Note: Respondents who answered “Not sure” were excluded from the analysis.

6. In your opinion, what type of effect do you think the uncertainty in the U.S. economy has had on employees at your organization?

7. Eavesdropping and rumors in the workplace regarding uncertainty in the U.S. economy Methodology • Response rate = 18% • Sample comprised of 494 randomly selected HR professionals from SHRM’s membership. • Margin of error is +/- 5%. • Survey fielded the week of October 16, 2008