Confidence levels among U.S. manufacturing and logistics workers reached a record high in the second quarter of 2014, while office and administrative worker confidence also increased in the quarter, according to Randstad.

The Randstad manufacturing and logistics employee confidence index rose to a reading of 56.0 in the second quarter from 50.5 in the first quarter; it is the highest reading since Randstad began tracking the index in 2005.

The percentage of workers in the sector who believe there are more jobs available rose five percentage points to 30 percent, and 49 percent are confident in their ability to find a new job, up significantly from 39 percent in the prior quarter. Thirty-nine percent say it is likely they will seek out new employment in the next year, up six points from last quarter.

"This unmatched level of confidence in both the overall economy and in their own personal situation is reflective of a stronger year of sales and projection of hiring activity in the manufacturing industry," said Traci Fiatte, group president of Randstad Staffing. "We're seeing a growing number of manufacturers bringing more work onshore rather than cutting production workers and outsourcing work overseas, which is necessitating the need to hire more workers."

Fifty-eight percent of manufacturing workers feel it is unlikely they will lose their jobs in the next 12 months, down from 63 percent in the first quarter.

The index is based on an online survey of 161 manufacturing and logistics employees within the U.S. conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Randstad during April, May and June of 2014.

Clerical worker confidence

The second-quarter Randstad US’ office and administration confidence index rose for the second consecutive quarter, increasing to 54.0 from 51.3 in the first quarter.

“We have witnessed in our own business an evolution of administrative and clerical roles, stemming from a growing use of technology and the need for more productive and multi-skilled staff,” said Fiatte. “Our clients are increasingly requesting candidates who have some level of management ability, including project management and employee supervision. This is evident across all industries we serve.”

Thirty-five percent feel it is likely they will look for a new job in the next year, down slightly from 37 percent in the previous quarter; 38 percent also said they are confident in their ability to find new jobs, increasing one percentage point from the first quarter.

Twenty-four percent of office and administrative workers believe more jobs are available in the marketplace, up from 20 percent in the first quarter.

The index is based on an online survey within the U.S. of 394 U.S. office and administrative workers conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Randstad in April, May and June of 2014.