The Randstad employee confidence index rose last month to reach its highest reading of the year. The index rose 1.7 points in August to a level of 58.0. The index measures workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism about the economic environment.

“The August numbers were notably strong and continue the positive trend we have seen over the past few months, starting in April when confidence figures reached pre-recession highs,” said Jim Link, managing director, Randstad U.S. “This is significant as we seldom see a scenario where nearly all indices indicate an improved outlook.”

Seventy-four percent of U.S. workers said it is not likely they will lose their jobs, and 49 percent are confident in their ability to find new jobs. Thirty-six percent of U.S. employees believe the economy is strengthening.

The study, conducted online by Harris Interactive, surveyed 1,073 U.S. workers between Aug. 5 and Aug. 7, 2013.