PHILADELPHIA (May 10, 2006) - American workers reported near record-high confidence levels in their job security, with more than 80 percent predicting little or no chance they could lose their jobs in the coming year, according to a survey of more than 1,000 fulltime workers by Right Management. That marks a significant jump in confidence levels from six months ago, when nearly a quarter of American workers said they might lose their jobs.
"The slow-moving economic recovery finally seems to be taking root in workers´ minds, resulting in a strong employment environment," said Eileen Javers, Global Leader of Right Management´s Transition practice. "Six months ago, when we last conducted this national survey, Americans were reeling from the devastating news about Hurricane Katrina. That concern resulted in worker pessimism.
"Today, American workers are in a different place. Not only are they confident about hanging on to their current jobs, they are much more optimistic about the outlook for the unemployment rate."
Only 30 percent of Americans think it is "very likely" that the unemployment rate will rise in the coming year. Six months ago, that percentage was 45%.
"A year ago, American workers recorded the highest confidence levels we have seen since we launched this survey three years ago," Javers said. "We are nearly at that same level again this survey period. American workers are clearly feeling a new level of optimism about the job market."
When asked how likely it was they would advance at their current company, 54 percent said it was very or somewhat possible, while only 46 percent said it was unlikely or impossible.
Javers said organizations should pay close attention to the fact that nearly half of American workers do not anticipate advancing with their current employers. "Some employers may be dealing with a workforce that is disengaged, or employees who are looking to leave their current jobs. Wise managers know they need to identify and develop the talent they want in place for the future, since those who feel most disenfranchised will be the most likely to leave."
In addition to the United States, Right Management also surveyed workers in 17 other countries, where the Career Confidence IndexTM was measured from a low of 46 in Germany to a high of 75 in Norway. Overall, 13 countries reported an increase in worker confidence, while five registered a drop.
About the Methodology
The Career Confidence IndexTM is conducted by Right Management twice a year to measure career confidence among fulltime employees around the globe. The index is based on telephone interviews with a random sample of 300 - 1,000 fulltime workers in each country.
In the United States, 1,003 fulltime workers, at all levels and with household incomes ranging from less than $25,000 to more than $75,000, were surveyed. These results are based on interviews conducted in February and March, and have an average error margin of /- 4.23 percentage points.
Workers in the following countries were surveyed: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The fieldwork was coordinated by ICR - International Communications Research of Media, Pa.
About Right Management
Right Management (www.right.com) is a global provider of integrated consulting services that help clients maximize the return on their human capital investment while assisting their employees to achieve their potential. It offers services to corporations of all sizes through a global network of more than 300 service locations and the Internet. The company is a worldwide leader in customized career transition solutions and also offers a wide range of organizational consulting services, including talent management, leadership development and organizational performance services.
In combination, the two lines of business enable Right Management to help businesses manage the entire life cycle of their employees.
Right Management is a wholly owned subsidiary of Manpower, Inc. (NYSE: MAN) a world leader in the employment services industry; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work.