By finding out what employers are focused on for 2011, you’ll know how to focus your job search and can walk into an interview armed with key knowledge of where employment is headed. Being on top of hiring and workplace trends may help you stand apart from your competition and score that perfect job. And it doesn’t hurt to be aware of the probability that a company will offer you relocation expense coverage, be receptive to something like denim attire in the office, or consider your talents in “emerging” roles like social media management or green energy – knowing those things help you set up realistic expectations for your future role.
Let’s get right to it – here are the 10 top hiring and workplace trends to keep an eye on in 2011, according to survey results:
1) Shifting business directions: A whopping 42 percent of employers said their company has changed its business direction as a result of the recession. The majority of these employers kept their core business, but added new revenue streams – although 27 percent of those who shifted direction said they changed their core business altogether or expanded into areas that will eventually become their core business.
2) Working leaner: Thirty-five percent of employers said their current staffs are smaller than pre-recession levels. Of those employers, most don’t foresee adjustments to headcount in 2011, with 57 percent reporting that they have become used to handling the workload with less people.
3) Changing jobs: Workers are becoming more optimistic about their job prospects in 2011. Fifteen percent of full-time, employed workers are actively seeking a new job, and 76 percent said that although they are not actively looking, they would change jobs in 2011 if the right opportunity came along.The majority of workers aren’t necessarily focused on a bigger paycheck, either. Sixty-eight percent said affordable benefits are more important to them than salary.
4) Creating new functions: Along with more traditional job opportunities, employers are adding new functions within their organizations in response to popular movements. Jobs centered around social media, green energy and health care reform are just a few of these “emerging” roles being added in 2011, and hiring managers reported that “cyber warriors,” whose roles are to protect Internet sites from security breaches or fraudulent activity, are in high demand as well.
5) Video interviewing: With smaller recruiting staffs facing larger numbers of job applications, employers are turning to technology to help find the right candidates. Six percent reported they have conducted video interviews with potential job candidates, while 11 percent plan to do so this year.
6) Less moonlighting: While making ends meet is still a challenge for many U.S. households, fewer workers are reporting the need to work more than one job. In addition, only 12 percent plan to take on second jobs in 2011, compared to 19 percent in 2010.
7) Taking a global perspective: Nearly one in five U.S. employers (18 percent) reported they will be hiring for their operations in other countries in 2011, while 5 percent stated they will likely recruit workers from other countries to work in U.S. locations.
8) Relocating talent: Of workers who were laid off in the last 12 months and found new jobs, 23 percent relocated to a new city or state. For those looking to relocate this year, good news: 33 percent of employers said they would be willing to pick up the moving tab for select candidates this year.
9) Promoting without pay: Forty-one percent of employers are concerned about losing their top talent as the economy improves. While the majority of employers plan to increase salaries for existing staff in 2011, 39 percent will not be providing raises. As a gesture of recognition to employees without pay increases, however, 13 percent are offering higher titles.
10) Going casual: Employers are becoming more relaxed about set schedules and dress codes as they work to enhance the typical work experience. Fifteen percent reported they will allow for a more casual dress code, and 33 percent expect to offer more flexible work arrangements like telecommuting and alternate schedules in 2011.
Tell us, what do you think of these trends? Will these change the way you search for a job this year?
