Confidence Among Office Workers Hits 6-Year High
ATLANTA -- Overall confidence among U.S. office and administrative workers has reached its highest level since the Great Recession, the Randstad Office and Administration Confidence Index reports. The index rose three points during the second quarter to 54.3.
Employees reported more confidence about the strength of the economy, the availability of jobs and their ability to find new jobs. "Employee confidence levels have improved among almost all industries tracked by Randstad, including finance and accounting, engineering, IT 9information technology] and manufacturing. Two factors that may be fueling the growing confidence among overall U.S. workers are the recent strengthening of both the stock market and residential property values," said Phyllis Finley, executive vice president at Randstad US, in a prepared statement.
"Office and administrative workers are playing a greater role in today's businesses. In fact, a recent New York Times article highlighted how office and administrative professionals are now 'expected to perform like managers,' especially if more companies cut their support staff," she continued. "Furthermore, according to a survey from the International Association of Administrative Professionals, 52% of assistants said they supported three or more people. With such a robust job outlook for office and administrative workers, companies must focus on engagement and training efforts to retain the best and brightest employees as they continue to play an increasingly integral role in companies."
Second-quarter survey highlights:
- 29% of office and administrative workers believe the economy is getting stronger.
- 22% believe more jobs are available; this aspect rose four percentage points. On the other hand, 47% believe fewer are jobs available; this aspect, fell two points.
- When asked how optimistic they are in their ability to find employment, 39% of administrative workers expressed confidence they could find a job; this component rose four points.
- 62% feel confident in the future of their current employer, up two points.
- 31% say they are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, a drop of dropping one point from the first quarter.
Randstad US is the third-largest staffing organization in the United States.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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