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In today's world of computers, we can measure just about anything. Here is an interesting insight into measuring how happy and optimistic employees are. Why is this important? The more optimistic and confident workers are, the more likely they are to risk leaving an employer to try something different.

The happiness measurement, The Hudson Employment Index(SM), continued its ascent in July, reaching a record high of 108.4 for the year, surpassing all previous ratings for the second month in a row. The increase in the Index over the last couple of months indicates that the outlook for the employment market is firmly upbeat among U.S. workers.

While workers anticipate a slight drop in hiring at their companies, they continued to report confidence in their personal financial situations. A strong 45 percent of workers now say their personal finances are getting better. Although some may say that's a low number, it is an improvement from 43 percent a month ago and 40 percent the month before. The Index is definitely rising.

"U.S. workers continue to be optimistic about their personal finances and are confident that their employers have steady hiring plans. Based on the momentum in employee confidence that we have seen in the last six months, this is positive news, even in the midst of the traditionally slow hiring season," said Jeff Anderson, senior vice president of Hudson Global Resources.

The Hudson Employment Index (Hudson-Index.com) measures the U.S. workforce's confidence in the employment market. Based upon monthly telephone surveys with approximately 9,000 U.S. workers, the Index tracks aggregate employment trends around career opportunities, hiring intentions, job satisfaction and retention. The Index is compiled each month by the independent research firm Rasmussen Reports, LLC (RasmussenReports.com).

The Hudson Index will continue to rise. Consumer confidence is increasing. Worker confidence is increasing. Worker confidence in the economy and their personal situations will stimulate employees to become bolder. They will demand more from their employers in compensation, benefits, flexible working arrangements, opportunities for growth, and better management. If their expectations are not met, they will leave their current employers in search of other opportunities.

From "Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists, copyright 2004. (800) 227-3566 or www.hermangroup.com.