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Randstad employee confidence index hits all-time high in Q1

April 16, 2015

The outlook among American workers as measured by Randstad’s US employee confidence index rose in the first quarter to the highest level reported since the survey’s inception in the third quarter of 2004. The index rose to a reading of 62.3 in the first quarter and reflects very strong confidence levels among workers in the overall economy and in the job market. More workers said they believe there are more jobs available, and expressed continued confidence in their ability to secure them, according to Randstad.

The index measures workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism about the economic environment. It’s based on a survey of almost 2,000 employed US workers in January and March.

Randstad’s Q1 US employee confidence index rose despite the deceleration in job growth reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in March.

 “March was, without question, a less than stellar month for the economy that was exacerbated by extremely harsh winter weather and trade disruption from the West Coast port strike,” said Jim Link, Chief HR Officer, Randstad North America. “The stalled employment numbers have already led to discussions among economists as to whether they simply represent a bump in the road or perhaps early signs that a broader economic slowdown is beginning.

“However, it’s important to remember in previous recessions, consumer sentiment started declining well before the economy visibly weakened,” Link said. “Right now, several indicators show consumer sentiment is still rising, as evidenced by our own US employee confidence index, which reached its highest levels ever at the close of first quarter 2015 and indicates workers feel very confident in the economy and overall job market.”