Finding Jobs in Texas
Despite adding a record number of jobs last year, faith in the employment outlook of Texas continues to wane. According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive acting on behalf of the Spherion Corporation, workers statewide have less faith in the continual creation of Texas jobs than they did in the month prior. For the sixth consecutive month the Texas Employee Confidence Index dropped again in January, falling 7.7 points to 45.2, a record low.
The report found that 68 percent of workers who participated in the survey felt that the economy is getting worse. This figure was 16 percentage points from December’s 52 percent. Considering the media attention being given to the possibility of a national recession, this is to be expected.
The survey also found that more than half of workers believe that fewer Texas jobs are available than. In the previous month only 36 percent of those asked viewed the statewide job market in such a negative light. On a positive note, more employees have confidence in the continual success of the businesses they currently work for, despite concerns for the economy and fear of Texas jobs decreasing in availability.
Nevertheless, there was a 3 point increase in individuals who were not confident in their ability to find a new job in Texas. In December over half of the participants felt that, if put in the situation, they would be able to find a new employer without much difficulty.
Due to the lack of confidence in the easy of finding a new job in Texas at this time, there was an understandable increase in the number of individuals who said that it was unlikely they would be looking for new employment in the near future. In December only 47 percent of those asked said that they could not foresee searching for new employment. In January 60 percent of participants felt this way. Although this shows a lack of confidence in the Texas job market, it also means that there is a good chance that there will be less competition for available positions. With more individuals playing it safe and staying where they ‘re at, those searching for Texas jobs may not have to compete with as many individuals who are hoping for better positions that in previous months.
Kim Lockhart, the director of operations for Spherion, says that the report “shows that the Confidence Index has been steadily declining over the last six months.With recent reports hinting at an economic slowdown for the first half of the year, it’s understandable that this doubt would exist.” She went on to say that “The good news is that we are still seeing growth in the energy, financial and technology related fields. With Texas being a hot spot for energy and high- tech companies, we don’t see this trend slowing down anytime soon. For those seeking work, the state is still creating plenty of job opportunities”
If talk of a national recession continues, reports on the Texas Employee Confidence Index will likely be less than optimistic.
