Posted by Maneesh Sethi :: April 9, 2008 @ 3:06 am

Earlier this year, Fortune Magazine writers looked at several research studies to see what major changes are taking place in the working world in 2008. This meta-analysis of statistics is very interesting, especially for people considering taking a new job or moving into a new career. But first there are some key findings you should know about if you are staying in your current position.

For starters, if you are expecting a raise this year because last year's wasn't so good, you might be mistaken. According to the study:

Pay hikes for salaried employees and managers this year will be exactly the same as in 2007, averaging a ho-hum 3.9%. Hourly workers will make out a tiny bit worse, with increases of 3.7%.

One very interesting change is the increasing willingness of employers to offer flexible working arrangements.

Almost 80% [of employers] said they'll introduce or expand alternative work schedules, for instance, allowing employees to come in early and leave early or come in late and work late; 38% plan to allow compressed workweeks, in which people work the same hours but in fewer days; and 33% expect to encourage an increase in telecommuting.

If you are considering changing jobs or careers, be sure to pay special attention to this trend: more than ever, your online reputation is critical.

Hiring managers and recruiters were surveyed by executive career network ExecuNet, and apparently job seekers' "online image management will make or break more job searches" in 2008 than ever.
The article includes useful tips, advice and other resources for job hunters including how to manage your online image.