Workers grow more confident about the job market

The number of U.S. employees who quit voluntarily rose to its highest level in nearly four years, as the job market improves and workers feel more upbeat about their employment prospects.

Even though companies haven't been quick to hire this year, says the Labor Department report, workers seem to feel more confident. And a Maritz poll of 1,001 randomly selected adults agrees. That survey found them to be more optimistic about the future of the companies they work for and less worried about their job security. Nearly three-fourths say the company they work for is doing better compared to a year ago, a significant increase over the 57% who said so last year. But 45% said it's at least somewhat likely they won't be working for the same employer by this time next year and 96% of those say it will be by their own choice. Put that together with the fact that only one in ten say they look forward to going to work every day and just 11% agree that their company is a "fun" place to work, and employers have cause for concern, says Maritz researcher Rick Garlick. Given the survey results, companies have plenty of opportunity, he says, to enhance the attitudes of their workforce. "As the environment becomes more competitive for talent there certainly is room for improvement among companies that are sincere about holding on to their best people."

# 20202 USA TODAY, 6-05-05

WORKINDEX.COM, 5-24-05

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