Careers Slideshow: CareerBuilder Jobs Outlook 2011: Lean, Agile, Transitional

A general feeling of guarded hopefulness is returning to the workplace this year, according to a "2011 Trends" survey conducted by job-search service CareerBuilder. Encouraged that the worst of times have passed, organizations are looking to expand revenue streams and even shift core-business strategies. There will be some expansion of employment levels, the survey reports, but not a massive hiring binge. Similarly, raises will return, but not in across-the-board fashion. Instead, employers will seek to reward strong performers in non-monetary ways, such as through promotions and/or more flexible working arrangements. Meanwhile, a considerable majority of employees are open to the idea of leaving their companies in 2011 for other employers/opportunities - another sign of positive sentiment. "The recession produced fundamental shifts in how companies and workers view the market," says Brent Rasmussen, president of CareerBuilder North America. "Businesses are becoming more agile and changing direction. They're operating leaner and recruiting for opportunities in emerging areas. Workers are transitioning to new fields, are more open to relocation and are more apt to consider opportunities outside of their current employers." More than 2,400 employers and 3,900 workers in the U.S. took part in the survey. Here are selected highlights: