NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.
About the Randstad Employment Report
About Harris Interactive
Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on
behalf of Randstad from November 14-16,
2011 among 1,280 employed adults ages 18 and older. This
online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no
estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For
complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please
click here.
About Randstad
Randstad is an $18.8 billion
global provider of HR services and the second largest staffing
organization in the world. From temporary staffing to permanent
placement to inhouse, professionals, search & selection, and HR
Solutions, Randstad holds top positions around the world and puts
approximately 27,500 corporate employees to work from its nearly
4,200 branches and inhouse locations in 43 countries. Founded in
1960 and headquartered in Diemen, the
Netherlands, Randstad Holding nv is listed on the NYSE
Euronext Amsterdam (RAND.AS). Learn more at www.randstad.com.
SOURCE Randstad