The Randstad Office & Administrative Confidence Index remains relatively unchanged in the third quarter of 2014, rising slightly to 54.4 from 54.0 last quarter. The survey, which measures overall confidence among U.S. office and administrative professionals, was conducted online among 377 workers in this sector by Harris Poll on behalf of Randstad. The survey also found little movement among nearly all aspects measured, including the overall strength of the economy, job market and administrative and office workers' own personal employment situation.

According to the survey, nearly three-in-10 (28%) office and administrative workers believe the economy is strengthening, representing no change from last quarter. Also, seven-in-10 (70%) employees are confident in their job security this quarter, the same percentage as reported in the second quarter of 2014. Administrative and office employees' confidence in their ability to find a new job increased by one percentage point, to 39 percent, from 38 percent last quarter. Similarly, one-third (33%) say they are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, a two-percentage point decline over the second quarter of 2014. 

"The office and administrative sector continues to enjoy relative stability and moderate job growth rates," said Traci Fiatte, Group President of Randstad Staffing. "The competition for job openings is heating up, particularly given the unemployment rate for this sector has dropped from 7.1 percent to 6.1 percent over the past year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics." 

Office and administrative professionals are playing a greater role in managing today's office environment. According to research from the American Society of Administrative Professionals, the shift from assistant to managerial role among these workers has rapidly evolved. The organization tracked data from the Administrative Professionals Conference (APC), an annual, nationwide training event for professionals in this sector, and found that in 2008, only seven percent of attendees held non-traditional admin job titles; most were assistants. Five years later, in 2013, more than 22 percent of APC attendees held titles like manager and project coordinator.

"We're seeing candidates stand out by pursuing certifications and continuing education," Fiatte said. "Employers are often willing to pay more for certifications such as, certified administrative professional or Microsoft office specialist, and the ability to speak multiple languages. It demonstrates they can not only do the job, but that they are committed to excelling at it." 

Q3 2014 Highlights: 

Confidence in Job Availability Remains Stable this Quarter 

• One-quarter (25%) of office and administrative workers believe more jobs are available in the marketplace, a slight increase of one percentage point from 24 percent in Q2 and up from 20 percent in Q1 2014. 

Job Security Levels Remains Unchanged 

• Seven-in-10 (70%) office and administrative workers are confident in their job security in the third quarter of 2014, representing no change over last quarter. Only 13 percent say it is likely they will lose their job in the next 12 months. 

One-Third of Administrative & Office Workers Likely to Seek New Employment

• One-third (33%) of office and administrative workers are likely to look for a new job in the next year, declining slightly by two percentage points from the previous quarter. 

Confidence in Ability to Find New Jobs Stays Same This Quarter 

• Nearly four-in-10 (39%) office and administrative workers say they are confident in their ability to find new jobs, increasing one percentage point from the second quarter of 2014.