Online Community

ASA Central

A dynamic online community for ASA members to exchange ideas and best practices, and connect with industry peers in their sector. Visit the site ›
Find Goods & Services

ASA Marketplace

This powerful online resource enables staffing companies to find and access industry supplier information, products and services. Visit the site ›
Daily Publication

Staffing Today Newsletter

Your #1 daily source for news about the workforce industry. With versions available to members and nonmembers. Visit the site ›
Health Care Reform

Affordable Care Act Resources for Staffing

Up-to-date news, resources, interactive tools, and more—all focused on helping ASA members comply with the ACA. Visit the site ›
Advertisers & Exhibitors

Staffing Industry Suppliers

ASA has numerous and diverse marketing opportunities available to help you reach the rapidly growing staffing industry. Visit the site ›
Exclusive Products

ASA Store

From certification packages and study guides to marketing tools and data reports, ASA resources add value to your business. Visit the site ›

Randstad Sees Solid Q4 Results, Strong Markets

Randstad News Release (02/19/15)

Randstad Holding NV reported revenue of 4.5 billion euros in the fourth quarter of 2014, up 5% from the year-ago quarter. Earnings before interest, taxation, and amortization totaled 199 million euros during the fourth quarter, which officials attribute to a boost in business in North America and the Netherlands.

In the fourth quarter of 2014, combined U.S. staffing and in-house businesses grew by 10% per working day, driven by a strong performance in the industrial segment. Administrative growth accelerated during the quarter. Overall gross profit grew by 8%, and permanent placement fees increased by 23%. The company’s professional staffing business remained stable in the quarter, with gross profit increasing by 5% and permanent placement fees up by 17%.

On Assignment Reports Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2014

On Assignment Inc. News Release (02/18/15)

On Assignment Inc. reported revenues of $475.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2014, up 12.5% from $322.3 in the fourth quarter of 2013. The company reported adjusted net income of $31.4 million.

Jobless Claims in U.S. Decreased More Than Forecast Last Week

Bloomberg (02/19/15) Shobhana Chandra

The number of people applying for unemployment benefits in the week ended Feb. 14 dropped by 21,000 to 283,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The 50 economists surveyed by Bloomberg had forecast claims of 322,000. The four-week moving average of new claims fell by 6,500 to 283,250, a three-month low.

Fed Appears to Hesitate on Raising Interest Rate

New York Times (02/19/15) Binyamin Appelbaum

U.S. Federal Reserve officials have tentatively begun discussions on when to raise interest rates if the economy continues to perform well. No clear outline on when the central bank will raise interest rates has emerged, but staff economists have discussed rate increase timing, refined plans for the mechanics of pushing rates higher, and what guidance for the public will look like on the rate outlook, according to the January Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes. Fed officials have said previously that they are looking at a mid-year interest rate increase, but the minutes reveal that officials are inclined to wait as long as they can before raising rates, though none were clear on how long that would be. The Fed meets again in March, which could lead to discussions of when interest rate hikes will occur and whether to drop the “be patient” language from its policy statements.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the U.S. Increased

Conference Board News Release (02/19/15)

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) went up 0.2% to 121.1 in January, compared with a 0.4% rise in December and a 0.3% increase in November. The Coincident Economic Index went up 0.2% to 111.6 and the Lagging Economic Index rose 0.3% to 115.3

“The U.S. Leading Economic Index increased again in January, but its pace of growth has moderated in recent months,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board. “While the LEI suggests a positive short-term outlook in 2015, the lack of strong momentum in residential construction, along with a weak outlook for new orders in manufacturing, poses a downside risk for the U.S. economy.”

Free ASA Webinar Next Month—Negotiating Tips

Do you need to strengthen your negotiation skills? Learn how to close more job orders and place more candidates into better positions during the ASA webinar “Negotiating With Confidence.” It takes place Thursday, March 5, 3–4 p.m. Eastern time.

All ASA webinars are free for ASA members, and most qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. To learn more and to register, visit americanstaffing.net.

Free Webinar Next Month—Legal Update for Staffing Firms

Each year, legislators and politicians introduce laws and policies that could affect how staffing firms do business. Find out about the current legal and legislative environment and what it means for your firm during “Legal and Legislative Advocacy for the Staffing Industry.” It takes place Tuesday, March 24, 3–4 p.m. Eastern time.

Get updates on the Affordable Care Act, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s temporary worker initiative, staffing-specific state legislation, and more. This webinar is free for nonmembers.