Careers: 2010 Employer Outlook: 10 Top Trends

Many hope 2010 holds a brighter economic future than last year’s sliding profits and mass layoffs. A recent survey of 2,700 HR professionals conducted by CareerBuilder.com shows companies are revisiting strategies, headcount and cost containment to position for measured growth in 2010.

Channel Insider takes a look at the survey results and what it may foretell for businesses and employees in 2010.

1.Out with the bad, in which the good

Underperforming employees beware of the chopping block. The survey finds that employers want to tap out-of-work talent in the job market to strengthen their workforces.

37% of employers said they plan to replace lower performing employees with new talent in 2010.

2.Building brand through social media

In 2009, many companies made tough and very public decisions like slashing jobs and canceling benefits, negatively impacting their brands.

In 2010, almost 40% of companies plans to harness the power of social media to create a more positive brand, and some plan to create new social media jobs to do it. 1 in 5 employers will give a current employee social media responsibility while 8% plan to hire a social media guru.

3.Rehiring laid-off workers

Last year, 40% of surveyed companies reduced headcount through involuntary layoffs, but things maybe looking up.

Among companies who experienced layoffs last year, 32% plan to rehire, and 3 in 10 are already doing it or plan to rehire within the first six months of 2010.

4.Flex schedules and telecommuniting

Flex schedules and telecommuniting options will continue to become more widespread in 2010 in an attempt to maintain and create a better work-life balance.

35% of employers plan to give flex options to employees, up from 31% in 2009, including job sharing, summer jobs and sabbaticals.

5.Bye bye bonus… and free coffee?

Folks may get their jobs back, but they may not be enjoying any perks or benefits for a while.

37% of employers plan to continue to trim perks and benefits this year like bonuses, medical coverage, 401k matching and even free coffee—that number is up from 32% in 2009.

6.Retirees reenter the workforce

Companies know that retirees and those close to retirement hold valuable knowledge and experience. In 2010, 16% of companies say they are likely to rehire retirees from other companies, while 10% are likely to provide incentives for workers at or approaching retirement age to stay on.

7.Companies tap contractors

The talented unemployed stand to gain in 2010. Employers remain cautious about upping full-time headcount exponentially, and 30% say they will turn to freelancers and contractors this year. That number is up slightly from 28% in 2009.

8.Green is good

11% of employers plan to add “green jobs” in 2010 – that is the same amount of companies that added green jobs last year. Green jobs include positions aimed at improving conservation and sustainability through environmentally conscious design, policy and technology.

9.Bilingual skills a plus

Job seekers with bilingual skills stand to gain in 2010. Diversity is an important measure of success in 2010, and nearly 40% report plans to hire bilingual candidates in 2010.

50% of the total surveyed said they would be more inclined to hire a bilingual candidate if two equally qualified candidates were competing for one job.

10. Business travel lulls remain

Business travel remains one of the largest discretionary costs to an organization. 43% of those surveyed say they plan to reduce business travel in 2010 even further to contain costs and focus on growth.