The tough economic climate offers HR professionals, including recruiters, the chance to make a difference to their business by focusing on key areas, according to a director at a global talent management consultancy.

Paul Hughes, director of strategic accounts at DDI UK, claims the recession is a “rare and golden opportunity” to focus on certain parts of the business to make a strategic difference.

Hughes said: “HR teams need to know the business objectives. This sounds obvious but we still find that many HR departments do not know the overall business goals.”

Hughes argues that “senior leaders and high potentials are more important now than ever, both in the short and long term”, as they can be used to spread new cultures and ways of working around  organisations suffering cuts as a result of the downturn.

Another group which needs careful attention, says Hughes, is those moving between roles or experiencing promotions.

“Leaders and managers could be facing competing demands of cutting costs and winning new business; helping managers deal with this paradox, as well as doing some of the basic skills such as coaching and communicating better than they’ve ever had to before, will reap rewards.”