The SFN Group Employee Confidence Index dropped 3.2 points to 48.4 in July. The index, which measures workers' confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, decreased as a result of more workers being concerned about the economy, job availability, and their personal employment situation.

"It is no surprise that workers feel increased anxiety, given recent headlines suggesting that the economic recovery is slowing and unemployment levels remain high," said Roy Krause, president and CEO of SFN Group, Inc. "Despite these mixed reports, it should be noted that more workers indicate that they are likely to look for a new job in the next year. Additionally, the number of people planning a job change not only rose from last month, but has consistently remained near forty percent despite the ebbs and flows of the economy. We continue to see positive signs within our own business, as an increasing number of clients are exploring ways to bring more flexibility to their workforce. I expect these positive trends to continue as we move forward."

A Look Inside the Report:

Confidence in Overall Situation:

The SFN Group Employee Confidence Index dropped 3.2 points to 48.4 in July. The index, which measures workers' confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, decreased as a result of more workers being concerned about the economy, job availability, and their personal employment situation.

Confidence in Macroeconomic Environment:

- Twenty percent of U.S. workers believe the economy is getting stronger, down four percentage points from June.

- Only eight percent of workers surveyed believe there are more jobs available, a six percentage point decrease from the previous month.

Confidence in Personal Employment Situation:

- Fewer workers are confident in their ability to find a new job. Specifically, 39 percent versus 42 percent in July.

- The percentage of workers reporting confidence in the future of their current employers dropped six percentage points to 59 percent.

Job Security:

- Sixty-eight percent of workers believe they are likely to lose their jobs in the next year, decreasing one percentage point from the previous month.

Job Transition:

- Thirty-seven percent of workers are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, showing a two percentage increase from June's reading.

Confidence by Gender:

- More males than females believe the economy is getting weaker. Specifically, 42 percent of males believe the economy is getting weaker compared to 37 percent of females.

- Sixty-five percent of males believe there are fewer jobs available versus 60 percent of women.

- In July, women were less confident in their ability to find a new job compared to men. Specifically, 36 percent of women were confident versus 42 percent of men.

Confidence by Age:

- According to the latest results, 26 percent of workers ages 18-34 years old believe the economy is getting stronger, the highest among all age brackets.

- Workers ages 35-44 are the most confident in their ability to find a new job. Specifically, 43 percent are confident as compared to 38 percent of all other age groups surveyed.

- More than half (54 percent) of workers ages 18-24 revealed that they are likely to make a job transition in the next 12 months. This was the highest among all age brackets.

Confidence by Income:

- Workers earning less than $35K are the most likely to believe that the economy is getting weaker, with 42 percent of those surveyed in this income bracket believing so.

- Sixty-seven percent of workers earning $75K or greater are confident in the future of their current employer — the highest among all income cohorts.

- Forty-five percent of workers earning less than $35K indicated that they are likely to make a job transition in the next 12 months. This is the highest percentage amongst all income brackets.