The overall confidence among manufacturing workers was up almost a point to 51.9 in the second quarter, according to the Randstad Manufacturing Employee Confidence Index.
In addition, 44 percent expect to look for a new job within the next 12 months, up 18 percent from the first quarter. About 28 percent of manufacturing workers believe more jobs are available, up seven percent from the first quarter.
However, just 47 percent of employees are confident in their companies’ prospects going forward, down from 53 percent.
“This quarter’s report underscores that manufacturing workers have a real sense of optimism about the number of career opportunities that exist today,” said Phyllis Finley, executive vice president at Randstad US. “In fact, figures this high have not been reported since well before the 2008 recession, and we believe this increase has a direct correlation to employees’ confidence in the overall economic recovery. Given this environment, employers need to deploy targeted engagement strategies that keep talent from taking other attractive offers.”
About 29 percent of manufacturing workers believe the economy is improving, up from 28 percent in the first quarter. And 44 percent are confident in their ability to find employment, up from 42 percent in the first quarter.
Randstad US is a wholly owned subsidiary of Randstad Holding nv, a global human resources services provider.
