Randstad's Employee Confidence Index rose 0.8 points to 52.4 in September, and was 7.6 points higher than the year low of 44.8 in September 2011.  According to the Index, employees are feeling more confident in the future of their current employers and are indicating a higher level of job security than this past August.  In fact, 56 percent of workers report that they are not planning to job search in the next 12 months even though more indicated a greater sense of optimism in their ability to find alternative employment.

"The Index grew slightly this month to reflect workers sustained confidence in the job market and increased optimism in their personal employment situation," said Jim Link, managing director of Human Resources for Randstad U.S. "Despite the subtle rise in the Index, workers and employers alike, are still exercising caution when it comes to job searching and hiring. As we approach the fourth quarter, many economists predict to see more of the same when it comes to economic growth until we see more job creation and consumer spending."

The online survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Randstad. It surveyed 1,601 employed U.S. adults, aged 18 and over between September 11-13, 2012.

Look Inside the Report:

Employee Confidence Edges Up

• The Employee Confidence Index increased by 0.8-points in September, registering at 52.4
• This is 7.6 points higher than the confidence level recorded one year ago

Employees Remain Split Around Confidence in Economy

• Most employees (73 percent) believe the economy is getting weaker or staying the same
• However, just over one quarter, 27 percent, of workers believe the economy is getting stronger, (versus 26 percent in August)

Future of Employer and Job Security Indicators Gain Strength

• In September, 63 percent of employees indicated increased confidence in their company's future (from 59 percent in August)
• Employees also continue to indicate a high level of job security within their current positions, with 74 percent indicating it is not likely they will lose their jobs (compared to 71 percent last month)

Workers Confidence Holds in Ability to Find a Job, Half believe fewer jobs available

• Forty-five percent of employees are confident in their ability to find a new job, a number that has held steady throughout 2012
• However, half of employees (53 percent) also indicate that there are fewer jobs available (showing no change from the previous month)

The Randstad U.S. Employee Confidence Index measures workforce trends across the country since 2004.