Almost Half of U.S. Workers Optimistic for First Half of 2013

 According to the Glassdoor Q4 Employment Confidence Survey, just shy of half (48 percent) of employees —including those self-employed —expect their company’s outlook to stay the same in the next six months. This is an eight-point increase from the previous quarter. Of those who reported a positive change at their company in the past six months, 65 percent were awarded new perks —option to work remotely, casual dress, flexible work hours —and/or new stock, an all-time high since Glassdoor began tracking in Q2 2011.

One in three (33 percent) of those employed say they will consider looking for a new job in less than a year if the economy stays the same or improves, while nearly one in five (18 percent) plan to look for a new job in the next three months.

“Now that it appears that the extreme highs and lows are behind us, the slow and conservative pace employees are seeing within their own employment situation is causing employees to evaluate if now is the time to see if the grass may be greener with another employer,” Rusty Rueff, Glassdoor career and workplace expert, said. “While the past few years have tilted to an employer market, we’re leveling out and employees are finding their position to stand upon. It is now more important than ever for companies to engage with employees to find out what will keep them satisfied and strategize new ways to attract and retain their workforce, or face an impending growth in their turnover rate.”

The survey monitors four key indicators of employee confidence : company outlook, job security, salary expectations, and re-hire probability. The Q4 2012 survey of 2,249 U.S. adults— 1,470 employed or unemployed but looking for work— also evaluates job search expectations and factors most likely to influence a job candidate’s decision on whether or not to accept a job.

The survey results showed that the top factors influencing job search decisions include:

• Salary/compensation (73%)

• Location/commute (55%)

• Career growth opportunities (30%)

•  Amount of work (22%)

• Company reputation (17%)

• Company values (16%)

At 10 percent, both relationships with managers and frequency of travel required for the job were also reported to influence decisions. The lowest three factors included relationships with peers (7%), senior leadership (6%) and corporate social responsibility (2%).