Monster Global Poll Reveals Over 25 Percent of Workers Surveyed are More Optimistic about the Current Job Market Compared to Six Months ago

Workers in India, Norway and Sweden are more upbeat; US, UK and Spain show less optimism

MAYNARD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2009-- While recent data suggests unemployment and job creation lagging well behind other major economic indexes, as the global recession weakens, a new poll conducted by Monster reflects growing optimism among workers worldwide that the job market is on the road to recovery.

Over half (52%) of the 30,000 respondents to the Monster Global Poll, feel the same or more optimistic when asked, “How do you feel about the job market compared to six months ago?”

“Despite turbulent economic conditions, it’s encouraging to see more than one quarter (26%) of the total respondents polled globally by Monster admit they are optimistic about their future career opportunities, suggesting the global workforce is looking forward to recovery,” said Norma Gaffin, director of content with Monster.com.

 

The key findings were:

  • I am much more optimistic – 9% (2,678 votes)
  • I am more optimistic – 17% (5,192 votes)
  • I feel about the same – 26% (7,797 votes)
  • I am less optimistic – 20% (6,041 votes)
  • I am much less optimistic – 27% (8,154 votes)

The survey’s results reflect marked differences in perception on the national and regional level, with Indian and Scandinavian workers showing a much greater degree of optimism in their local job markets than their U.S. or EU Continental counterparts.

US workers, representing approximately 36 percent of the total respondents, were among the least optimistic, with 51 percent having negative attitudes on the job market when compared to six months ago. British workers tended to be the least optimistic, at 56 percent indicating diminished optimism, followed closely by Spain at 54 percent.

Indian workers, representing approximately seven percent of the total respondents, were the most optimistic, with over 51 percent indicating increased optimism. Among developed nations, Norwegian and Swedish workers were the most upbeat, with 29 and 15 percent, respectively, stating they are much more optimistic.

The split in attitudes positively correlates with national unemployment and underemployment figures as well as consumer confidence indexes over the same time period. Nations with nationalized health care, as well as workers from developing countries, were overall more optimistic than their counterparts from countries with employer-based health care or developed nations.

Methodology: The results of the current Monster Global Poll are based on votes cast by Monster visitors from: 17th August – 14th September. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation.

The Monster Global Poll, a product of Monster®, the leading global online careers website and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide Inc., is a series of online polls that gauge users' opinions on a variety of topics relating to careers, the economy and the workplace. These polls are not scientific and reflect the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate.

About Monster Worldwide

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:MWW), parent company of Monster, the premier global online employment solution for more than a decade, strives to inspire people to improve their lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. Monster Worldwide is a member of the S&P 500 index. To learn more about Monster's industry-leading products and services, visit www.monster.com. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at http://about-monster.com

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Source: Monster Worldwide, Inc.

Monster.com
Kathy O’Reilly, 978-823-2003
Kathy.oreilly@monster.com
or
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Laura Woodward, +44 (0) 7894 193 887
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