8 Career Trends for 2016

8 Career Trends for 2016 With the New Year here in full force, many employees are setting their sights on new goals, new jobs, and new careers.One question I keep hearing is Whats new in 2016?Let me answer that with a quick rundown of eight important career trends well see in 20161. Multiple CareersIts becoming mora and more common (and acceptable) for employees to switch jobs every 3-5years. In fact, its almost expected. In the past, this was frowned upon by many, but in 2016, it will be more the norm than ever before.2. Boomerang WorkersWith the morepeople switching jobs more frequently, this was bound to happen. Its more and more typical to see an employee leave a company and be rehired a few years later. And why not? The employee gains valuable experience and can negotiate a higher salary upon return. Its a win-win, as the organization gets someone who already has knowledge about and experience with the company.3. Work/Life BalanceAs more millenni als join the workforce, the focus on work/life balance is increasing. Millennials want to do meaningful work and they want to have personal lives, too. They arent lured in by big paychecksif that means theyll lose all of their personal time.4. New Work PerksIn an effort to hit home with younger workers, more companies are beginning to offer creative perks, including student loan repayment, fertility and adoption assistance, flexible work hours, and remote work arrangements. Theyre also offering more onsite perks like free lunches, laundry, and childcare.5.Better Maternity LeaveTheres also been a big push to give workersmore maternity and paternity leave and to give them more options in this realm, too. Some companies are allowing employees to work less hours after a child is born without quitting altogether. Others are adding the option for dads to also take time off alongside moms.6.Contract WorkersIn the past, consultants were reserved for large corporations. They would hire con sulting firms that smaller businesses could not typically afford. Today, more individuals have become independent consultants. Some were forced into those roles after a layoff, while others chose to leave the corporate world to gain control and fulfillment. The influx of these specialized workers into the workforce has made it possible for businesses of all sizes to take advantage of consultant services.7. More Promotions There are 3.6 million baby boomers slated to retire in 2016. Many of them are in management roles, and when they go, someone will have to fill those spaces. Younger employees will finally begin to feel upward movement Because so many baby boomers are leaving the workforce, roughly 25 percent of millennial workers will become managers this year.8. More MovementMany people have been sticking it out in jobs they dont like for years. The rising number ofavailable opportunities will create increased movement. Many of those whove been waiting to make a move will find 201 6 to be the right time to do so.-As with all things, these trends vary by region, by organization, and sometimes even by seniority level. Do your own research on company websites and job searching sites to find out who is offering which benefits and perks. Glassdoor.com has valuable information on both benefits and company cultures.Good luck with your career in 2016A version of this article originally appeared at MemphisDailyNews.com.