Growing Confidence Among Manufacturing and Logistics Workers In 2014

ATLANTA, May 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Confidence levels among manufacturing and logistics workers rebounded in the first quarter of 2014, according to the Randstad Manufacturing & Logistics Employee Confidence Index, a measure of overall confidence among U.S. workers in this sector. The index rose to 50.5, an increase from 48.0 in Q4 2013. The quarterly survey, conducted by Harris Poll among 169 manufacturing and logistics workers on behalf of Randstad, also found workers' job security rose with the majority (63%) of manufacturing workers feeling it is unlikely they will lose their jobs in the next 12 months, compared to 59 percent the previous quarter.

In addition, overall confidence in the strength of the economy grew for manufacturing workers this quarter. Two-in-five (39%) manufacturing and logistics workers believe the economy is getting weaker, a 12 percentage point decline from 51 percent in the last quarter of 2013. Also, more than a quarter of workers (26%) believe the economy is getting stronger.

"Despite the slowdown of the manufacturing sector early in the year due to winter weather challenges, the industry is beginning to show signs of anticipated growth in 2014," said Traci Fiatte, Group President, Randstad Staffing. "For example, economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in April for the 11^th consecutive month, according to the Institute for Supply Management, with this month's Purchasing Managers' Index registering at 54.9 percent, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from March's reading of 53.7 percent.

"Also, the Commerce Department reported that orders for factory goods in the U.S. rose 1.1 percent in the first quarter of 2014. These reports and others continue to support estimates that the economy is regaining momentum as spring emerges, and we would expect to see demand for talent within the manufacturing and logistics industry to follow suit."

Q1 Survey Highlights:

Manufacturing and Logistics Workers' Confidence in the Economy Rebounds

• Two-in-five (39%) manufacturing and logistics workers believe the economy is getting weaker, a 12 percentage point decline from 51 percent in the previous quarter. In addition, more than one-quarter (26%) believe the economy is getting stronger.

Job Availability Improves in First Quarter

• Manufacturing and logistics workers who feel there are fewer jobs available declined from 55 percent in Q4 2013 to 50 percent in Q1 2014. Also, the number of manufacturing and logistics workers who believe there are more jobs available rose, climbing four percentage points to 25 percent.

Job Security Improves Significantly Among Workers

• In the first quarter of 2014, there was a sharp decline in the number of manufacturing and logistics workers who feel it is likely they will lose their current jobs – dropping from 26 percent in Q4 2013 to 13 percent. In fact, the majority (63%) of manufacturing workers feel it is unlikely they will lose their jobs.

Employment Search: One in Three Workers Likely to Job Hunt

• One out of three manufacturing and logistics workers said they are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months. Additionally, 39 percent of workers feel confident in their ability to find new employment.

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Randstad from January 6-8, February 3-5 and March 3-5, 2014 among 3,210 adults ages 18 and older, of which 169 are employed in manufacturing and logistics. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact [email protected].

About Randstad Manufacturing & Logistics
With more than 50 years of experience in the Manufacturing & Logistics industry, we can access the right talent at the right time. We designed our products, services and solutions with the specifications required to best ensure that our clients receive qualified, dependable talent who they can trust to perform the job responsibly.

With our deep industry understanding, experience and commitment to ongoing education, we have designed an unparalleled service model to deliver reliability, responsibility and results. Our service and expertise in attracting and assessing the right talent for the right job combine to create partnerships that result in ongoing success.

About Randstad US
Randstad US is a wholly owned subsidiary of Randstad Holding nv, a $22.0 billion global provider of HR services. As the third largest staffing organization in the U.S., Randstad holds top positions in permanent placement, office and administrative, IT and accounting and finance. From professional services, commercial staffing, recruitment process outsourcing, to managed services and more, Randstad delivers a comprehensive range of temporary, temporary-to-hire, permanent placement and outsourced placement services. With its 5,324 employment experts, Randstad puts an average of approximately 100,000 people to work in the U.S. each week, through its network of nearly 1,000 branches and client-dedicated locations.

Learn more at www.randstadusa.com and access Randstad's panoramic U.S. thought leadership knowledge center through its Workforce360 site that offers valuable insight into the latest economic indicators and HR trends shaping the world of work.

SOURCE Randstad