At a time when most of the multinational firms are cutting costs and trimming workforce to combat the economic slowdown, many industry giants like General Motors China, McDonald's, Johnson&Johnson Medical China and Wal-Mart have said they are still hiring in the country.

Ten companies confirmed that they had expansion or recruitment plans in China this year, during the 2009 Hewitt Best Employers in China session on Thursday.

Fast food chain McDonald's said it would open 175 new restaurants in China this year. "We are ambitious on the Chinese market," said Jeffrey Schwartz, CEO of McDonald's China. The company plans to hire around 10,000 employees this year for the new 175 restaurants.

"It is good to harness talent during the economic downturn," said Xie Wenjian, CEO of Johnson&Johnson Medical China. Xie added that the current situation makes it easier for the companies to acquire good talent at affordable prices.

"We scent an excellent opportunity to grow in China due to the government's medical welfare policy," said Xie. Johnson&Johnson Medical has hired over 100 university students in the first two months and plans to continue hiring throughout the year.

US car giant General Motors (GM) indicated that it would expand its staff strength in China contrary to it cutting jobs in other parts of the world. "Although I can't give the detailed numbers, GM will certainly recruit more people in China this year especially in the research sector," said Kevin E Wale, president, GM China.

Hewitt Associates in its report said, good employers can foster human resource cultures that would boost productivity.

The most important changes in the 2009 report are the elements for an employee to work harder. In 2007 the top three elements were: career development, salary and performance management. But this year it is career ideal, salary and career opportunity.

"The change shows that employees are now focusing more on whether their own values can be fulfilled in the company, rather than simply the promotion or salary," said Xu Feng, deputy managing director, Hewitt.

Human resource directors at the meeting advocated the need for companies to cut costs in non-human capital areas such as travel and other expenses rather than cutting salaries.

(China Daily March 28, 2009)