Time are tough, but hopes are high…

Time are tough, but hopes are high—or at least not as low as you might expect. According to Talent Retriever's Q4 2008 Workforce Confidence Survey, 85 percent of those polled indicated their chances of finding a new job in this economy were "fair" or "above average." The survey also showed that 75 percent of respondents expressed confidence in the management team of their current employer to lead them through the downturn.

"This level of worker confidence despite the economic downturn is a sign employers should not become complacent when it comes to employee retention efforts, otherwise they may risk losing their best employees," says Dave Barbato, president, Talent Retriever. "For employers looking for new talent, now may be one of the best times to step up recruitment activity."

When asked if they were likely to stay in a job they were dissatisfied with due to current economic conditions, workers surveyed replied as follows:

? 44% said they were more likely to stay in a job in which they are dissatisfied.

? 35% said they were somewhat likely to stay.

? 15% said they were less likely to stay.

6% said they definitely would not stay in a job in which they were dissatisfied even under current economic conditions.