The Randstad employee confidence index rose 2.4 points in November to a reading of 48.0. The index, which measures workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, shows that 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.

Forty percent of workers are confident in their ability to find a new job, up from 36 percent in October. Meanwhile, 71 percent of workers believe that it is unlikely they will lose their jobs in the next 12 months, compared with 68 percent in October.

Further, 33 percent of workers said they are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, down from 34 percent in October.

“Our employee confidence index is nearing the end of 2011 on a relatively high note, despite an unsteady and inconsistent economic year,” said 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. … 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 between Nov. 14 and 16.