The Hudson Employment Index(SM) climbed to 109.0 in March from 107.1 in February. Improved sentiment regarding personal finances and job satisfaction prompted the third consecutive monthly rise in worker optimism. The latest reading is nearly three points stronger than last March's Index of 106.2.

Hudson a leading provider of permanent recruitment, contract professionals and talent management services worldwide, publishes the Hudson Employment Index, a monthly measure of U.S. worker confidence in the employment market.

Looking at the findings more closely, the number of workers who rated their finances as "excellent" or "good" rose two points in March to 46 percent. Additionally, three-quarters of the work force indicated they were happy with their job, a one-point gain from February. Expectations around hiring and layoffs were unchanged, holding at 32 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

"Despite some recent worrisome news regarding the economy, particularly in the housing sector, U.S. workers remain upbeat about the job market," said Robert Morgan, president, Hudson Talent Management. "Instead, low unemployment and steady, albeit somewhat slower, job growth are established trends that can help explain why most of the work force seems undeterred by bad news."

Confidence among all managers slipped in March due to weakened sentiment relating to their finances. Specifically, the number who indicated their financial situation was improving fell three points to 49 percent, while there was a four-point jump in the number who said it was getting worse.