The recession isn't just hitting Americans in their wallets. It's also striking at their consciousness.

A research study of more than 1,100 full-time workers across a variety of occupations and career stages has examined how layoffs and other job changes associated with the economic slump has led workers to question their attitudes about work, their commitment to family and their desire to achieve more balance in their lives.

General Motors probable bankruptcy aside, the latest news on the economy at large is, if underwhelming in its positivity, at least clear enough to support sound planning. The U.S. is probably at the bottom of recession, per recent reports of the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) and other such experts. While improvements will be gradual they will be apparent, particularly by the second quarter of next year.

 What I wonder is, what damage has been wrought by this monster recession (which began in December of 2007)? Have you seen projects held off—did you lose workers? Has it been business as usual? And finally, what’s the mood of your team and your broader company?