In tough economic times, downsizing is inevitable.

A recent study from the Society of Human Resource Management found that six organizations in 10 expect layoffs in 2009.

In order to cushion the blow, 74% of firms will provide some sort of severance pay to terminated workers. Meanwhile, on the benefits front:

• 25% plan to increase employee contributions to monthly health insurance premiums
• About 18% of employees currently have health plan deductibles of at least $1,000
•  34% of companies have added or increased restrictions to the company travel policy, and an additional 25% plan to do so soon
•  28% have cut merit pay-raise budgets. Among those employers, the projected raise is now 2.5% for 2009, down from 3.7%, and
• 4% of companies plan to eliminate their 401(k) match by 2010.

Among the companies that’ve cut 401(k) matches are large companies such as General Motors and Frontier.