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Media Contact: Lesly Cardec
(800) 422-3819
leslycardec@spherion.com
Employee Confidence Index Rises for Third Consecutive Month
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 5, 2009 – The Spherion Employee Confidence Index increased 2.9 points to 48.3
in May. The Index, which measures workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in
the economic environment, rose as fewer workers believe the economy is getting weaker and more workers are
optimistic in their ability to find a new job.
“It is definitely encouraging to see our latest overall Employee Confidence Index closer to the level reported
this time last year. Despite this good news, clearly there are still lingering concerns about the economy and job
market,” said Roy Krause, president and CEO of Spherion Corporation. “While many economists expect the U.S.
jobless rate to surpass 10 percent by the year’s end, we are still seeing demand for skilled talent, especially in
the professional services sector. In fact, in certain parts of the country, we are seeing employment
opportunities increase. While job growth is certainly bleak compared to conventional measures, economic
indicators now show declines that are less severe. Although it’s still too soon to say that the worst of this is
over, we remain hopeful that we may be getting closer to a turn around.”
May 2009
+2.9
May 2009 Spherion® Employment Report • Page 2 of 3
A Look Inside the Report:
Confidence in Overall Situation:
The Spherion Employee Confidence Index increased 2.9 points to 48.3 in May. The Index, which measures
workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment, rose as
fewer workers believe the economy is getting weaker and more workers are optimistic in their ability to find a
new job.
Confidence in Macroeconomic Environment:
o Thirty-eight percent of workers believe the econom