The Randstad Employee Confidence Index increased by 2.4 points to 48.0 in November. The Index, which measures workers' confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, shows that more workers are optimistic about the economy and job market. In addition, more respondents indicated an increase in confidence in their ability to find new employment.

"Our Employee Confidence Index is nearing the end of 2011 on a relatively high note, despite an unsteady and inconsistent economic year," says Joanie Ruge, senior vice president and chief employment analyst of Randstad Holding US. "As we head into the upcoming holiday season, many retailers are eyeing the monthly employment figures to help predict consumer sentiment—and ultimately consumer spending activity. While job creation still remains steady in the private sector, we have seen more employers and candidates open to part-time work. In fact, retailers alone are hiring about 500,000 seasonal employees this year, many of which are part-time according to the National Retail Federation. While many of these workers would prefer full-time positions, one of the benefits of temporary or part-time employment is the ability to bridge into a permanent position down the road. All in all, we believe that we will continue to see moderate but steady economic growth in the fourth quarter and that trend should continue as we enter 2012."

The online survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Randstad. It surveyed 1,280 employed U.S. adults, aged 18 and over between November 14 and 16, 2011.

A Look Inside the Report:

Confidence in Overall Situation:

The Randstad Employee Confidence Index increased by 2.4 points to 48.0 in November. The Index, which measures workers' confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, shows that more workers are optimistic about the economy and job market. In addition, more respondents indicated an increase in confidence in their ability to find new employment.

Confidence in Macroeconomic Environment:

• Forty-five percent of U.S. workers believe the economy is getting weaker. This is a decrease of six percentage points from October's findings.
• Fifty-nine percent of employed adults believe that fewer jobs are available compared to 63 percent in the previous month's report.

Confidence in Personal Employment Situation:

• More workers indicated that they were confident in their ability to find a new job in the next 12 months. Specifically, 40 percent in November versus 36 percent in October.
• The number of U.S. workers indicating that they are confident in the future of their employer remained virtually unchanged in November at 61 percent. This indicator has remained flat since September's report.

Job Security:

• More workers believe that they are unlikely to lose their jobs. Specifically, 71 percent reported this compared to 68 percent in October.

Job Transition:

• Thirty-three percent of workers are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months. This is a one percentage point drop from the previous month.