After 3.5 years of an unstable job market, employees are gaining confidence. A Glassdoor Employment Confidence Survey reported that almost half of respondents believe his or her company’s outlook will stay the same in the next 6 months. Conversely, 40 percent believe his or her company’s outlook will improve. Men (46 percent) were more optimistic than women (33 percent) about company outlook improving. Less than half of employees surveyed expect a cost-of-living or pay raise in 2013. As a result, 1 in 5 employees plan to change jobs within the next 3 months.

While the economy has been shaky for the past few years, the extreme highs and lows seem to be in the past. During this period, businesses would be wise to engage employees in conversations about what will satisfy them in the long term. Attracting and retaining a workforce will be important to avoid an increase in turnover.

The latest wave of job-seekers report salary and compensation are the most important factors they consider when accepting an offer. One in five also considers a company’s reputation. Other factors that rank high include location, commute and career growth opportunities. Layoff concerns are unchanged at a steady 17 percent. The unemployed have increased their optimism about finding work to 37 percent, a three point increase from last quarter.