The Randstad employee confidence index rose 1.6 points in March to a reading of 55.5, the highest level of employee confidence recorded since October 2007. The index measures workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment.

“Despite gas prices being one of the biggest concerns on the minds of workers, we remain pleasantly surprised with the steady increases seen in overall worker confidence,” said Joanie Ruge, senior vice president and chief employment analyst for Randstad US Holding.

“Although the latest index still remains five points below the historical high, it also stands 15.4 points higher than our index’s all-time low of 40.1 in January 2007,” Ruge said.

The index is based on an online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Randstad. It surveyed 1,399 employed U.S. adults, 18 years old and older between March 13 and March 15.