The Randstad Employee Confidence Index rose 1.4 points in February to 53.5, indicating U.S. workers may be feeling slightly more upbeat about the economy and the job market. The Index, which tracks U.S. workers' perspectives around jobs and the economy each month, reveals that 30 percent of workers believe the economy is strengthening and nearly a quarter say more jobs are available. The study, conducted online by Harris Interactive, surveyed 1,071 U.S. workers in February of 2013.

"Much like the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, our report shows optimism in the economy seems to have improved over the last month," said Randstad US managing director Jim Link . "Concerns over the impending fiscal cliff appear to have dissipated a bit. In fact, more workers believe the number of jobs available have increased—which is a great sign that overall sentiment on economic conditions is improving.

Despite this welcoming news, it is important to note workers may show decreased confidence over the coming months due to recent increases in gas prices and payroll taxes. On the other hand, one thing our report has consistently indicated is that employed workers are, and have been, keeping their eyes open for other opportunities. In fact, this indicator has never fallen below thirty-one percent of those surveyed in the last eight years of conducting this research—this should speak volumes to anyone managing talent." 

Look Inside the Report:

Employee Confidence Rises in February; Stable Year-Over-Year

• The Randstad Employee Confidence Index increased 1.4 points to 53.5 in February as worker confidence in the macroeconomic environment rose. Additionally, the Index is virtually the same as what was reported one year ago (53.9 inFebruary 2012)

U.S. Workers More Upbeat About Economy, Job Market

• Thirty percent of employees believe the economy is getting stronger, up four percentage points from January
• Nearly a quarter of workers, 24 percent, believe there are more jobs available (compared to only 19 percent sharing this sentiment last month)

Fewer Workers Confident in the Future of their Companies

• Although still a majority (56 percent), fewer workers expressed optimism in the future health of their companies (61 percent reported in January)

Nearly Four in Ten Workers Plan to Transition to a New Job in the Next Year

• Thirty-seven percent of workers surveyed say they are likely to look for new job over the next 12 months versus 33 percent in January

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