Randstad’s Employee Confidence Index Hits Six-month High

 Randstad’s U.S. Employee Confidence Index for March 2014 rose to a six-month high, increasing by 3.1 points from February to 57.1. Workers also reported the highest level of job security since May 2008 as 77 percent indicated it was unlikely they would lose their jobs. American workers remain confident with the workplace, the U.S. economy, the availability of jobs, their potential to find new jobs, and the future with their current employers.

“In concert with rising employee confidence, we see the workplace tilting toward a candidates’ market,” said Michelle Prince, senior vice president of talent management at Randstad North America. “This candidate-centric dynamic is reflected both in our index figures and broader economic indicators, and candidates rightly feel confident that 2014 holds professional promise.”

Randstad’s transition index, tracking the likelihood of workers to conduct a job search, decreased by 3 percent in March from 36 percent to 33 percent. However, Prince continued, “Although the month-to-month transition number dropped, employers should pay attention that one-third of the workforce is still likely to look for a new job.” As job market momentum moves to job seekers, companies need to focus on retention efforts to boost engagement and retain top talent.

Over the month, employee confidence is up from 54 percent to 57.1 percent; macro confidence is up from 42.2 percent to 45.6 percent; personal confidence rose from 65.9 percent to 68.6 percent; the transition index declined from 36 percent to 33 percent; and the security index rose from 72 percent to 77 percent.