Society for Human Resource Management (07/07/15) Roy Maurer

In a recent interview with the Society for Human Resource Management, Richard Wahlquist, president and chief executive officer of ASA, discussed the benefits of staffing firms and some of the myths about the use of temporary workers, among other topics. “I think we’re in a unique time for HR and for employers generally. Talent has become the most important strategic differentiator in terms of a company’s competitiveness. And we’re seeing employees look at the world of work in a different way. Talent is more in the driver’s seat today than in perhaps the last couple of decades,” said Wahlquist.

Wahlquist also stressed the importance of safety training, discussing the ASA alliance agreement with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. He noted staffing firms’ obligation to engage with clients to commit to workplace safety orientation and training, as well as OSHA’s position that the staffing firm and the client are both liable for worker safety.