The index's survey found that 19% of workers in September believed the economy is getting stronger, down two percentage points from August. However, 35% of workers in September said they are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, up from 33% in August.

"Our latest employee confidence index shows nominal movement," said SFN President and CEO Roy Krause. "Although many employers are riding the current economic situation out, we are seeing broad project-based hiring activity in accounting, finance, technology and manufacturing, as well as in administrative and clerical."

The index's survey questioned 1,255 employed adults in the U.S.