The near-term economic outlook is, well, muddled. Government and media entities – including MDM – are starting to present more positive numbers. But I get the sense there is still a lot of hesitation at the business level to say that recovery is underway, particularly as it relates to jobs.

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The latest National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Economic Trends report starts with the line: \”It has been a very difficult year, and 2009 did not end on an uplifting note.\” Ten percent of business owners reported increasing employment during December; at the same time 22% decreased employment.

And job losses in the U.S. continue to stack up, though at a much slower pace than earlier in 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

So the question is: What can be done with this information? The answer: Plan. Recognize that even though the numbers aren’t so clear cut right now, the direction is beginning to shift and, according to HR experts, the key is to gain a realistic idea of what’s going on within your organization and with your employees.

\”Managers need to figure out a way to stay in touch with their troops, to know what kind of shape the troops are in,\” said talent retention expert John Salveson of Salveson Stetson Group, an executive search firm, in a recent interview with MDM. (Read Rehiring for the Recovery in the latest issue of MDM.) Recognize that your workforce has been stretched and stressed and may need relief as things turn around.

This may involve changes to how work is done, or adding staff. Now is the time to make sure you have a clear handle on what may need to happen to optimize your staffing levels.

John Salveson will discuss the most effective ways to manage your staff in this new environment at a Jan. 28 MDM Webcast. Details at www.mdm.com/events.