Survey shows greater productivity expected from existing employees before bosses expand workforce.

Attracting new talent has become less of a priority for small to medium-sized enterprises, which have turned their attention towards retaining their existing staff.

The 2009 Employment Trends Report by recruitment and HR provider Randstad shows that while hiring expectations have slumped since last year, SMEs are doing their best to avoid having to lay off staff.

While in 2008 more than half (51%) of all SMEs in New Zealand were looking to increase their headcount the number dropped to only 24% this year.