The outlook among American workers edged down in April after hitting a six-month high in March, according to Randstad’s U.S. employee confidence index. The index fell 0.6 points in April to a reading of 56.5; it is also below the reading of 57.0 in April 2013.

The index measures workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism about the economic environment.

“While U.S. workers may still be wary of the state of the economy, we are finding that their overall personal confidence, which weighs in at 69.3, reached its highest level since September 2008,” said Jim Link, chief HR officer, Randstad North America. “There appears to be a clear distinction between workers' beliefs about the overall economy and that of their own personal situation.”

Seventy-two percent of workers indicated it is not likely they will lose their jobs, down from 77 percent in March, and 36 percent reported they are likely to look for a new job, up from 33 percent in March.

The index is based on a survey of 1,088 employed U.S. adults conducted between April 7 and April 9.

A separate Randstad index found climbing confidence for healthcare workers. Randstad’s healthcare employee confidence index rebounded in the first quarter, rising 2.9 points to a reading of 58.0. Seventy-two percent of workers indicated it is not likely they will lose their jobs, down from 75 percent in the fourth quarter. And 33 percent reported they are likely to look for a new job, down from 46 percent. Only 48 percent believe there are fewer jobs available, down from 56 percent in the prior month.

The healthcare workers’ index is derived from a survey of 158 healthcare workers during January, February and March.