Spherion Corp. (NYSE: SFN) said its employee confidence index rose for the first time since May, jumping 2.4 points to 47.6 in August.

Helping boost the index was an increase in the number of workers who believe the economy is getting stronger. The index's survey in August found that 8% thought the economy was getting stronger, up from 5% in July.

In addition, 11% of U.S. workers said in August they believed more jobs were available, up from 10% in July.

"After months of decline, it is refreshing to see U.S. workers feeling more confident," said William Grubbs, executive VP and chief operating officer at Spherion. "Despite the uncertain economy, news of an upward revision to U.S. GDP growth in the second quarter, higher-than-expected worker productivity and lower energy prices likely support this jump in optimism."

The job market remains challenging, Grubbs said. Still, there continues to be a need for some workers including financial analysts, healthcare and warehousing professionals.