Few U.S. employers predict significant staff cutbacks in the year ahead, according to a survey by Right Management, the talent and career management experts within ManpowerGroup.

Only 3 percent of respondents anticipate significant cutbacks or restructurings, and two-thirds expect almost none. Right Management surveyed senior executives at more than 600 firms across the United States representing government, nonprofit, public and private organizations and asked what they expect for the year ahead.

Asked about expected hiring in 2012, respondents were slightly optimistic, with 58 percent predicting hiring on an as-needed basis and 21 percent predicting more hiring in order to fill existing gaps in the organization.

Right Management conducted the online survey in November and December 2011.