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Spherion index - Employee confidence rises

February 06, 2009

Employees grew more confident in January, according to Spherion Corp.'s (NYSE: SFN) employee confidence index. The measure rose 2.3 points to a reading of 42.7 in January, up from December's low of 40.4.

The index's survey found that fewer workers felt the economy was getting weaker in January — down to 67% from 75% in December. The number of workers who feel confident in the future of their present employers rose one percentage point in January to 67%.

In addition, 34% said the planned to look for a new job in the next year, up one percentage point from December.

"Although difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, overall confidence may have been given a boost due to lower gas prices, a new administration and anticipation of a stimulus plan that promises to create and preserve jobs, as well as a possible extension of emergency unemployment benefits," said Spherion President and CEO Roy Krause.

Some pockets of hiring still exist, including healthcare, information technology, accounting, security and green energy, Krause said.

"As the creation of the TARP initiative and government stimulus programs continues, the need for finance, mortgage and legal professionals will also increase," he said.