Employers reported an increase in recruiting efforts for new positions, indicating a greater urgency to build their staffs, according to a Dice Holdings Inc. survey. Employers and recruiters reported that the time it takes to fill new positions is starting to shorten slightly as a result.

“Businesses seem to be gradually loosening their grip on the hiring process as the economy improves,” said Scot Melland, chairman, president and CEO of Dice Holdings, in a release. “At the same time, professionals are more willing to jump ship now. As the employment cycle strengthens, companies are likely to find it more challenging to keep their top talent.”

About 25 percent of employers and recruiters see salaries for new hires rising, compared with just 10 percent six months ago, and 69 percent believed that layoffs are not likely to occur at their companies in the next six months.

But a survey of senior human resources executives found that 51 percent expected an organizational restructuring and 21 percent expected to have new leadership, both of which could lead to downsizing, according to Right Management, a talent and career management business.

“Although the economy shows certain signs of improvement, it seems likely that more corporate upheaval is ahead,” said Mark Schmitz, general manager of Right Management’s Midwest region, in a release. “The current atmosphere remains unsteady, and anxiety is still widespread. And given the degree of leadership changes and merger and acquisition activity also expected, history suggests these often result in restructurings reflecting changes in strategy and business direction. The amount of change expected in the coming months is significant.”