Confidence among Florida workers continues to fall

By Palm Beach Business.com Staff

FORT LAUDERDALE — The Florida Employee Confidence Index decreased 2.5 points to 35.5 in February, according to the latest Spherion Employment Report, released Friday.

That’s lowest point in the past year, and down from 46.5 points in February 2008.

The monthly survey of Florida workers, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Spherion Corporation, reveals that more workers have concerns about the economy and their personal employment situation.

Results from the Florida Employment Report:

 Seventy-six percent of Florida workers believe the economy is getting weaker, rising 13 percentage points from January.

Eighty-one percent of Florida workers believe fewer jobs are available, showing no change from the previous month.

The percentage of workers that are confident in the future of their employer decreased by 10 percentage points to 25 percent in February.

Florida workers generally are less confident about the future of their employer than the average U.S. worker, and more likely to believe that they will lose their jobs.

Florida’s Agency for Workforce Innovation reported Friday that statewide unemployment jumped to 9.4 percent in February, up from 8.8 percent a month earlier and 5.2 percent in February 2008.

“Our latest report shows another month of decline in overall employee confidence,” said Paula Franco, branch manager for Spherion Staffing Services in Florida. “Until workers begin to see some positive changes in the housing market, economy and local job situation, I don’t foresee a rebound in those confidence levels.”

“The current economic situation has made it very difficult for job seekers and employers alike. The best piece of advice that I can give someone looking for work right now is that finding a job is not defined by what industry or position you have worked at in the past. Now is the time to think outside the box and look to industries that are creating jobs and are poised for growth over the next few years such as education, healthcare, government and technology. Tailor your search to those sectors and concentrate on what immediate value you can bring to companies.”