During periods of economic downturn, investment (or at least focus) on human assets can be the best available avenue to improved performance and differentiation in the market. Managing the supply and flow of human assets, and optimzing individual productivity, has become the primary source of a company’s competitive advantage. And organizations are quickly realizing that the traditional ad hoc approach toward dealing with critical people issues is not sufficient. Additionally, new tools are being crafted, such as those based on the Internet, that bring improved processes to the key functions of recruiting, retention and development of human talent. LINK's programs focus on ownership and accountability for work, improved work processes and empowerment. Elements include:
| culture audits | compensation and benefit design |
| process reviews | succession planning |
| HR function outsourcing | retention programs |
| compliance and risk audits | training |
| HR effectiveness assessments | job descriptions |
| strategic planning sessions and counseling | integration of communication plans |
| employee handbook design | employee and labor relations advice |
| policy and procedure design | employee opinion surveys |
| 360 feedback design and implementation | affirmative action program design |
| organizational development | union harmony campaigns |
| skill based pay systems |