The Randstad Employee Confidence Index edged up 3.8 points in September following three consecutive months of decline. The Index, which measures workers' confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, indicates an increase in overall confidence among workers, with notable gains in confidence in the strength of the economy and in the future of their current employer. Furthermore, more workers indicated that they were unlikely to lose their jobs, while fewer workers revealed the likelihood to look for new jobs in the next 12 months.

"We are encouraged to see worker confidence begin to bounce back after a few months of decline recently," saysJoanie Ruge, senior vice president and chief employment analyst of Randstad Holding US. "Although tempered hiring volumes this summer overall remain concerning, we are pleased to see that hiring was better than anticipated in September. In fact, we see a few bright spots within the economy, as well as in our own business. For example, the Institute for Supply Management manufacturing index ticked up a bit in September, surpassing economist's expectations. In addition, within our own business, we have more than 1,000 healthcare positions available, over 2,500 openings within the technology sector, 1,600 available administrative jobs, nearly 1,500 manufacturing and logistics open positions, and over 1,500 opportunities for engineering workers. Although the economic recovery won't happen overnight, it is important to note that it's still growing."

The online survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Randstad. It surveyed 1,251 employed U.S. adults, aged 18 and overbetween September 12 and 14, 2011.

A Look Inside the Report:

Confidence in Overall Situation:

The Randstad Employee Confidence Index edged up 3.8 points in September after three consecutive months of decline. The Index, which measures workers' confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, indicates an increase in overall confidence among workers, with notable gains in confidence in the strength of the economy and in the future of their current employer. Further, more workers expressed confidence in their job security, while fewer workers revealed that they are likely to make a job transition in the next 12 months.

Confidence in Macroeconomic Environment:

• Fifty-three percent of U.S. workers believe the economy has weakened, down 10 percentage points from August.
• The number of workers who believe there are fewer jobs available declined in September. Specifically, 63 percent of workers believe there are fewer jobs available in September versus 67 percent in the prior month.

Confidence in Personal Employment Situation:

• Six out of 10 workers are confident in the future of their current employer. This is an increase of six percentage points from the previous month.
• Thirty-five percent of workers are confident in their ability to find a new job, remaining unchanged from August.

Job Security:

• Sixty-nine percent of workers believe that it is unlikely they will lose their jobs in the next 12 months. This is an increase of three percentage points from the previous month.

Job Transition:

• Thirty-two percent of workers are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, a decrease of three percentage points from August.