Perspective - Fall 2009

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Mitigating Risk and Building for the Future:
New Thinking for Extraordinary Times

Chinese version

Dear Clients and Friends,

The world has changed, and we're responding with new ways of looking at things. In a turbulent period, our clients turn to us for help in getting through the downturn. They need new thinking for a new world and advice they could trust. And we help our clients better define their tolerance for risk and then ensure they're getting a good return for the risks they take.

Illustrating the metamorphosis undergone by the business landscape and the needs for new business models is our Special Section in this edition of Perspective on Mitigating Risk and Building for the Future. We explore how the economy has affected the latest Compensation and Human Capital Trends, how rethinking Employee Benefits has become part of balancing risk while maximizing the value of the benefits offered, the changing dynamics of Talent Management and Performance, and the winning deals in Merger & Acquisitions.

Creativity and flexibility have become core principles of human capital, benefits and risk strategies. This new way of looking at the employer Value Proposition extends to the decisions that affect employees more personally: benefits, rewards, engagement and motivation.

Building for the Future - the future of Watson Wyatt holds the promise of our planned merger with Towers Perrin. This move will broaden our global reach and enable us to offer an enhanced range of services. It will change the landscape of our industry and allow us to serve our clients around the world with an even deeper pool of talent.

In many ways, the Towers Watson combination is the logical next step in our long-term strategy. The merger markedly accelerates our progress, bringing together two great names with long, proud histories.

It's a strategic move that exemplifies our new way of looking at things: Innovative ideas from our combined talent - new thinking for what has become an entirely new business world.

Those are Extraordinary Times and we have been happy and honored to guide you through navigating changes and seizing opportunities.

Keat Tian

Managing Consultant, Watson Wyatt Hong Kong