More than 64% of employers expect staffing levels to remain steady in this year’s second quarter, according to a recent CareerBuilder survey. Just 14% said they plan on adding staff. Another 14% will reduce the number of employees, and 7% aren’t sure.

As for 2009 so far:

• 13% of employers increased headcount in the first quarter
• 16% reduced headcount, and
• 60% saw no change.

Companies’ salary plans for this quarter follow a similar pattern:

• 46% expect compensation to stay flat
• 29% expect to give raises averaging from 1% to 3%
• 12% expect raises to range from 4% to 10%
• 1% will give raises greater than 10%, and
• 5% expect compensation to decrease.

More than a third (35%) of employees haven’t taken and don’t plan to take a vacation in 2009, according to a recent CareerBuilder survey.

That’s compared to 20% in 2007.

The main reason is the economy, with 71% of those non-travelers saying it’s because they can’t afford to go away. Another 20% say they’re afraid of losing their jobs if they take any time off.

Those that do get out don’t plan on making a complete break. About 28% of those employees plan to contact the office at least once while they’re gone, compared to 20% in 2007. The reason: pressure from employers. Half of companies said they expect workers to be able to keep in touch while they’re away.

While companies may appreciate the dedication and be glad to see fewer empty desks this summer, experts warn employers against encouraging employees to skip their time off. Vacations are key to maintaining productivity and preventing burnout, they say.

Managers can set a good example by taking time off themselves, and by not e-mailing or calling employees who are on vacation.

That’s the kind of talk recently discovered on the Twitter page belonging to a CareerBuilder salesperson.

The page was deleted after several bloggers reported on the snafu. But while it existed, it contained a few noteworthy quotes, including:

• “People really annoy me… especially those i’m trying to get to buy stuff.”
• “OK seriously, this man needs to sign his contract. Whatever meeting he’s in right now better be about buying CareerBuilder products.”
• “I’m really sick of my clients right now.”

Sound like someone you would want to buy from?

There’s no word on what, if any, action CareerBuilder took. What would your company do if a manager found an employee publicly insulting customers? Let us know in the comments section below.

Well, now they can.

A new viral marketing site set up by the folks at online recruiter “Career Builder” allows workers to call their boss on bad behavior, personal habits or any other annoying actions — anonymously.

And it’s not just managers that employees can reprimand. “Tips” can be sent to anyone — co-workers, competitors, spouses, children, mere acquaintances.

Senders get to choose a character and a voice (three male choices, three female) to read aloud their message, that’s delivered via a Web link that’s accompanied by the caveat: “Click below for something a friend, coworker or concerned citizen couldn’t say to your face.”

There’s a similar service at Nicecritic.com, but that one sends only the text of the message to the recipient.

Of course, really angry workers can just sign up for a free e-mail address and send the same message without risk of detection, but then the folks who run these viral sites wouldn’t be able to collect both the sender and recipient’s e-mail addresses — which is what they’re getting out of the deal.

Career Builder’s “service” also comes with this disclaimer: “Career Builder does not control content from the sender included within this Anonymous Tip. By accessing this Anonymous Tip email, you acknowledge that: (i) you may be exposed to content provided by the sender that is abusive, offensive or otherwise objectionable; and (ii) Career Builder will not be liable in any way for such content, including but not limited to any, errors or omissions in such content or email addresses included therein or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the review and/or use of such content.”

They wish. Once something truly offensive, inflammatory or threatening gets sent by an anonymous tipster and it’s delivered by Career Builder, some experts say there’ll be no end to the litigation that comes calling.

That’s one way for the boss to find out just who sent the message saying, “Stop being such a jerk.”

Almost a quarter (23%) of employees don’t pay attention to benefits changes at their company, according to a recent CareerBuilder survey.

Communicating changes effectively is essential for showing employees the total value of their benefits. Missing or ignoring announcements can end up costing employees money — for example, if they miss their chance to sign up during open enrollment.

One solution: Distribute information through multiple avenues, rather than just sending an e-mail. For example, you can ask managers to keep their employees up to date about their benefits through in-person meetings.