It’s the most powerful and targeted data and analysis tool available to staffing professionals. Exclusively for members, the new ASA Weekly Economic & Business Outlook (WEBO) features weekly analysis designed to deliver the data-driven intelligence and forward-looking business acumen ASA members need to track trends and capitalize on opportunities. ASA researchers examine trends within the staffing industry as well as developments within the broader economy and then deliver succinct takeaways that can help drive strategic business decisions.

A link to the first ASA WEBO will start landing in member email boxes starting tomorrow morning and will land every Tuesday morning, unless you choose to opt out via the email. Make sure to whitelist the email sender address, research@americanstaffing.net, so you don’t miss this valuable new member benefit and business tool.

Staffing employment declined for the second week in a row during the week of Feb. 12–18, with the ASA Staffing Index decreasing by 1.0% to a rounded value of 90. Staffing companies mentioned no one primary factor that limited further growth. Staffing jobs were down 10.6% from the same period last year.

New starts in the seventh week of the year, however, increased by 9.9% from the prior week. Four in 10 staffing companies (40%) reported gains in new assignments week to week.

The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average increased from the prior week to a rounded value of 90, and temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Feb. 18 was 11.0% lower than the same period in 2023.

“While staffing employment often moderates in February, it is typically preceded by a robust recovery in staffing jobs following the holiday season. An anemic early-year surge in 2024 is indicative of tightening business conditions, which continue to challenge the industry and economy at large,” said Noah Yosif, chief economist at ASA.

This week will be used in the February monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics March 8.

Despite broader merger and acquisitions market challenges and volatility during 2023, staffing M&A remained highly active throughout the year, with signs of continued momentum in early 2024. Jeremy Falendysz of UHY Corporate Finance and Paul Pincus of Ortoli Rosenstadt will analyze staffing M&A market data and share their insights into relevant trends for staffing company buyers and sellers during the ASA webinar “Staffing Mergers and Acquisitions Market Update: 2023 Takeaways and 2024 Outlook.” It takes place Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2–3 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.

During the season of thanks and reflection, ASA is particularly grateful for the generosity of the staffing industry. With your support, the ASA Foundation is able to offer scholarships to emerging women leaders and to offset the costs associated with managing the foundation.

With Giving Tuesday tomorrow, you may be inspired to give back. Your donation can help support the Women in Leadership scholarship program or go toward programs that need the most assistance. Please consider a gift today, in any amount. All donations are deductible for federal income tax purposes. With your donation, ASA can continue to encourage a pipeline of emerging talent.