Employment trends that won’t continue in 2017

1.    The trend of increasing job openings in Leisure and Hospitality will level out.

There are several factors to consider. I don’t believe we will see a decrease in the number of establishments that would be caused by poor economic conditions. I do however anticipate the repeal of Obamacare that may cause the part-time opening to turn into full-time employees, thus 2-3 openings become a job. Also, it is likely that the Fair Labor Standards Act will be overturned as well allowing for more hours to be put in by Salaried employees and less need to hire part-timers to avoid paying more overtime wages.

2.    The number of contract (gig) workers will decrease. 

A couple of factors may affect this trend. The first may be an increase in the level of complexity of hiring foreign workers under the Trump administration even in contract positions. New legislation that will include tax advantages to hire full-time workers will make it more attractive to bring these workers on full time.

3.    The stagnation in the number of open positions in healthcare will end.

Increasing numbers of baby boomers needing care will allow more positions available in all areas of Healthcare as well as anticipation in the repeal of Obamacare that has disrupted budgets nationwide.

4.    The downturn in energy positions will end.

I don’t anticipate this being caused by increasing oil prices. I don’t see the price of oil to rise over $60 a barrel for some time. I see a leveling off of oil between $50-$55 over the next three months enabling confidence that we have some sustainability at those price levels. This as well as the easing of environmental laws, will enable more exploration and drilling to take place in the coming year.