Believe it or not, some employers are open to discussing salary raises in 2011.

A recent Career Builder Survey shows that 31% of employers are willing to negotiate salary increases. But the question is, is this because almost half of all employers fear that their best workers will jump ship as soon as the economy turns around and as more businesses are hiring?

According to the survey, the following industries are willing to negotiate.

- 45% in IT
- 41% in professional and business services
- 39% in retail
- 38% in sales

If you are going to ask for a raise, however, you must give the employer compelling reasons for giving you a raise. When you go to the meeting, go prepared. This would include, for example, citing your specific accomplishments and past performance reviews, justifying the salary range you are asking for, and understanding what is important to the company.

Despite this, not all employers are in a position to offer a raise. Instead, some are willing to offer other perks, such as flexible hours, vacation time, bonuses, or a more casual dress code.

This may just be the beginning of a trend to higher pay checks. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Let's hear from you. As an employer are you more willing to offer a higher salary in lieu of perks?