The Randstad Office and Administration Confidence Index, a measure of overall confidence among U.S. office and administrative workers, reached its highest peak since the recession, climbing three points from the previous quarter to 54.3. The quarterly study, conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Randstad, surveyed 427 U.S. workers, ages 18 and older, employed in the office and administrative sector in April, May and June of 2013. Employees reported higher confidence levels in the strength of the economy, job availability and the ability to find new jobs.

"Employee confidence levels have improved among almost all industries tracked by Randstad, including finance and accounting, engineering, IT and manufacturing. Two factors that may be fueling the growing confidence among overall U.S. workers are the recent strengthening of both the stock market and residential property values," said Phyllis Finley, Executive Vice President at Randstad US.

"Office and administrative workers are playing a greater role in today's businesses. In fact, a recentNew York Times article highlighted how office and administrative professionals are now 'expected to perform like managers,' especially if more companies cut their support staff. Furthermore, according to a survey from the International Association of Administrative Professionals, 52 percent of assistants said they supported three or more people. With such a robust job outlook for office and administrative workers, companies must focus on engagement and training efforts to retain the best and brightest employees as they continue to play an increasingly integral role in companies," said Finley.

Q2 2013, Survey Highlights

Office and Administrative Employee Confidence in the Strength of the Economy Rises in Q2

• Roughly three-in-10 (29%) office and administrative workers believe the economy is getting stronger, rising three percentage points from the previous quarter's reading.

Growing Percentages of Workers Believe More Jobs Are Available in the Second Quarter of 2013

• Nearly one-in-four (22%) office and administrative workers believe there are more jobs available, rising four percentage points from the first quarter of 2013. Meanwhile, nearly half (47%) of workers surveyed believe there are fewer jobs available, falling two percentage points from the previous quarter's readings.

Administrative Workers' Confidence in Ability to Find Jobs Rises in Q2

• When asked how optimistic they are in their ability to find employment, 39 percent of administrative workers indicate that they are confident they could find a job, rising four percentage points from the first quarter of 2013.

Administrative Workers' Confidence in Their Employers' Future Remains Virtually Unchanged

• Just over six-in-10 administrative workers (62%) feel confident in the future of their current employer, rising two percentage points from the previous quarter.

Nearly One-Third of Administrative Workers Likely to Job Search

• Thirty-one percent of administrative workers say they are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, dropping one percentage point from 2013's first quarter reading.