WELCOME to 2011. Now a new year begins with fresh opportunities in the business world.

This year already appears to be more positive when it comes to job growth. To help point out important upcoming trends in hiring, job searching and work culture, CareerBuilder teamed with Harris Interactive and surveyed at least 2,400 employers and 3,900 workers across the US.

“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,” he added.

Here are the top business trends to look for in 2011:

* “Shifting business direction.” Many companies had to alter their business direction during the recession in order to increase revenue.

* “Working leaner.” Smaller staffs are a sign of the times. Most survey respondents plan to maintain their current staff in 2011.

* “Changing jobs.” It seems that workers have experienced more optimism in pursuing new positions.

* “Creating new functions.” Positions dealing with social media, green energy and health care will be added to companies.

* “Video interviewing.” Video technology will make it easier for smaller staffs to look through the large number of résumés and job applications.

* “Taking a global perspective.” Employers are hoping to either open up operations in other countries or hire foreign workers for their US offices.

* “Relocating talent.” It seems that employees are more open to relocate for a job.

* “Promotion without pay.” Due to the difficult economy, many companies can’t give their workers a raise. But in order to show gratitude, businesses may provide a higher job title without an increase in salary.

* “Going casual.” Companies appear to be more relaxed when in comes to work schedules and office dress codes. Telecommuting and alternate schedules could be offered more often in 2011.

It will be interesting to see what awaits the job market this year. It’s a good sign that 2011 is starting on a more positive note compared to this time in 2010.