Workers Confident, but Uncertain about Job Market

Randstad, one of the largest providers of staffing and HR services in the world, has released a new report on the state of worker confidence. The Randstad U.S. Employee Confidence Index has revealed that the confidence of U.S. workers remains positive, but has scaled back during May 2012. More employees are taking cautious stances regarding the economy, job market, and their own employment situations.

“Despite the slight decrease seen in our latest report, we shouldn’t disregard the fact that our Index is still indicative of positive confidence levels,” said Joanie Ruge, SVP & chief employment analyst for Randstad Holding. “Clearly, what we are seeing in our survey, as well as in other broader economic indicators, is caution being exercised from both an employee and employer perspective. Although this is to be expected given the depth of the recession, the slower pace in U.S. job creation seen over the last few months, and headlines around the European financial crisis, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that the economy is still improving. In fact, the unemployment rate for college degreed workers stands at only four percent. As the economic recovery remains choppy, we are seeing more companies rely upon contingent labor to help maintain workforce variability and hire hard-to-find talent for high demand positions. This means that for many job seekers, including new college graduates, pursuing contingent or flexible work assignments may mean getting a foot in the door to employment, and even long-term permanent employment.”

According to the survey of adult workers, 27 percent feel that the economy is getting stronger while just 19 percent believe that there are more jobs available now than in the recent past. Nearly half of workers think that there are fewer jobs available. Confidence in the ability to find a new job, while still high, fell five points from April to 41 percent and 72 percent of respondents did not feel threatened with losing their job.