The SFN Group Employee Confidence Index slipped 0.3 points to 47.8 in July. The Index, which measures workers' confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, showed little change from June. However, a noticeable decline was seen in economic optimism, with fewer workers expressing confidence in the strength of the economy and job availability.

"Employee confidence declined for the second consecutive month, registering at its lowest point sinceJuly 2009when our Index stood at 46.7," saysRoy Krause, President and CEO of SFN Group, Inc. "I have no doubt that the news surrounding the U.S. debt ceiling negotiations contributed to the concerns and anxiety that our workforce is feeling. Additionally, many employers continue to focus on increasing operational efficiencies and are hesitant to add additional permanent staff until more positive news comes out about the health of the economy. However, our industry continues to see employers increase their flexible workforce and we encourage job seekers to consider this a viable way to get their foot in the door."

The online survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the SFN Group. It surveyed 1,383 employed U.S. adults, aged 18 and overbetween July 11 and 13, 2011.

A Look Inside the Report:

Confidence in Overall Situation:

The SFN Group Employee Confidence Index slipped 0.3 points to 47.8 in July. The Index, which measures workers' confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, showed little change from June. However, a noticeable decline was seen in economic optimism, with fewer workers expressing confidence in the strength of the economy and job availability.

Confidence in Macroeconomic Environment:

• Sixteen percent of U.S. workers believe the economy has strengthened, down from the 20 percent of workers who expressed confidence in June.
• Three-fifths (61 percent) of workers believe there are fewer jobs available, increasing three percentage points from last month.

Confidence in Personal Employment Situation:

• More than half (59 percent) of workers are confident in the future of their current employer, increasing two percentage points from the previous month.
• Fewer workers are confident in their ability to find a new job. Specifically, 38 percent of workers expressed confidence in July as compared to 40 percent in June.

Job Security:

• Sixty-nine percent of workers believe that it is unlikely they will lose their jobs in the next 12 months. This is an increase of one percentage point from the previous month.

Job Transition:

• One-third (33 percent) of workers are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, a slight dip from the 35 percent of workers who indicated the likelihood to make a job transition in June.