Despite lingering economic challenges, American workers are increasingly showing greater confidence when it comes to the economy, their employers, and even their ability to find a new job, according to the Randstad Employee Confidence Index released today.  In fact, outlook on macroeconomic conditions, which measures worker sentiment in the strength of the economy and availability of jobs, reached a post-recession high of 46.8 points, more than double what it was in April 2008 (20.9).  The Employee Confidence Index also returned to pre-recession numbers at 57 points, a figure last seen in August 2007. The survey, which monitors U.S. workers' personal confidence and tracks perspectives around jobs and the economy each month, was conducted online by Harris Interactive among over 1,200 employed U.S. adults in April, 2013.

"We are continuing to see a renewed sense of optimism across the U.S. workforce.  The data reveals employees are feeling an increased sense of security about their own jobs, and the economy as a whole, despite relative global economy uncertainty," said Jim Link , managing director at Randstad US.  "We encourage employers to take small steps to further bolster employees' outlook and loyalty to their company, such as recognizing exemplary work and enabling employees to acquire new skills."  

Randstad, the second largest HR services and staffing company in the world, has been tracking workforce trends and publishing the U.S. Employee Confidence Index since 2004. The Index tracks several measures of employee confidence, including micro- and macro-economic measures.  The Employee Confidence Index score edged up to 57 points in April, buoying its steady upward climb from 53.9 in March, 53.5 in February, and 52.1 in January.

April's survey also reveals that the majority of U.S. workers (60%) feel confident about the future of their current employers, and a plurality (44%) feel they would be able to find a new job if they desired. From a larger economic perspective, almost a third (32%) of U.S. employees continue to believe the economy is strengthening (consistent with 30% in both March and February).

Additional Key Findings:

• Age: Middle-aged workers are least confident.  Workers aged 45-54 express the lowest Employee Confidence Index and Personal Confidence Index (which measures optimism in workers' ability to find employment and in the health of their employers) numbers, compared to their older and younger employee counterparts (18-34; 35-44; 55+)

• Region: Southern employees most confident.  Two key measures of the survey – the Employee Confidence Index and the Personal Confidence Index – are highest in the South edging out other U.S. regions by 2-4 points in most cases.

• More confidence among workforce doesn't necessarily translate into action.  While the Employee Confidence Index has shown a constant ascent, the Job Transition Index (which measures how likely workers are to look for a new job) has stagnated, indicating virtually no change in the number of employed individuals also in the job market.