Staffing employment edged down during the week of May 13–19, with the ASA Staffing Index declining by just 0.3% to hold at a rounded value of 89. Staffing jobs were down 10.9% compared with the same week last year, with no one factor cited to have hindered further growth.

Despite a contraction in staffing employment, new starts in the 20th week of the year increased by 6.1% from the prior week, and almost half of staffing companies (48%) reported gains in new assignments week to week—above the average of 44% per week so far this year.

The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average inched down from the prior week to hold at a rounded value of 89, and temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending May 19 was 10.4% lower than the same period in 2023.

“A sustained pattern of negligible fluctuation in the Staffing Index suggests that the industry has settled into a steady rhythm of growth, unlikely to see substantial disruption without a material change in external macroeconomic conditions. This makes a case for optimism about the future of staffing employment once interest rates are reduced, business conditions improve, and the labor market sees greater churn,” said Noah Yosif, chief economist at ASA.

This week will be used in the May monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics June 7.

Don’t miss your chance to get the staffing and recruiting data you need. The association’s quarterly Staffing Employment and Sales Survey for the first quarter of 2024 is open through this Friday. Participate in the survey and compare how your company is doing with similar-sized companies and firms within your industry sector.

After completing the survey, you will be able to access an exclusive online report archive, which includes benchmarks for the number of direct hire searches and permanent placements, sector-specific gross margin trends, and payroll and productivity metrics by company size. Participate by May 24 to get the staffing industry information you’re looking for—there are no fees to participate. Register to take the survey at americanstaffing.net/quarterly-survey.

THRIVE events, designed by the ASA women in leadership interest group, deliver powerful and inspiring presenters from throughout the staffing industry who share lessons learned and effective growth strategies that have propelled their careers. The next THRIVE event is less than three weeks away! For only $95, you can participate in THRIVE Virtual on May 2. Pay only $65 for each additional registrant from your firm.

The registration fee is low and the ROI is sky-high. Here is a glimpse of what THRIVE Virtual will deliver on May 2. Register now to secure your spot; this is a virtual event, but it will sell out!

• Opening Keynote by Corrie LoGiudice: “Unstuck Yourself: Transforming Overwhelm Into Action.” Get actionable strategies to step into the leadership role you are meant to be in.
• Breakout Sessions: Tailored workshops for both emerging leaders and executives, providing valuable insights and tools to advance your career.
• Panel Discussion: “Finding Your Personal Success in Staffing.” Hear from inspiring executives in the staffing and recruiting industry as they share their challenges, strategies, and results—including Celeste Randall of Staffmark Group, Catherine Lang-Cline of Portfolio Creative, and Kelly Boykin of Growth Curve Advisors.
• Speed Talks—Inspiring Short Presentations With Long-Term Results: “Sparkle and Grit” by Wendy Meadows, certified life coach, and “Work Became My Identity—Then It Broke Me” by Ericka Diaz, creator of the “Honestly Mental” podcast.
• Closing Keynote by Neelu Kaur: “Be Your Own Cheerleader: Embracing Self-Advocacy in the Workplace.” Get actionable techniques for speaking up and being heard, and strategies for having difficult conversations that unlock potential instead of locking in negativity.

Learn more about THRIVE Virtual and register today at americanstaffing.net/THRIVE.