India, Aug. 14 -- With 80 percent of U.S. hiring managers bracing for a recession, nearly half expecting it within the next year, businesses aren't waiting to feel the impact. They're already shifting gears, scaling back hiring, rewriting long-term plans and making tough choices between protecting today and investing in tomorrow, according to a recent survey.

The Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey data paints a picture of cautious optimism clouded by economic anxiety.

94 percent of those who took part in the survey say a recession would impact their organization, and 60 percent anticipate a major or moderate effect.

36 percent admit their company may not survive a recession this year.

The looming threat is already influ...