U.S. staffing companies employed an average of 2.8 million temporary and contract workers per week in the first quarter of 2020, according to data released today by the American Staffing Association—falling below three million for the first time in six years amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Staffing employment decreased 8.9% in the first quarter of 2020 compared with the same period in 2019—the largest year-to-year decline seen in the past decade.

“While the decrease in staffing employment has been significant during the pandemic, staffing agencies continue to provide personnel across all essential occupations necessary to ensuring continuity of functions critical to public health, safety, and well-being,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive officer. “As businesses begin to reopen, job seekers can look to the staffing industry for increased access to immediate employment.”

The American Staffing Association and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy have formed an alliance to advance employment of people with disabilities in the staffing and recruiting industry. Each year, the industry employs an estimated 16 million temporary and contract workers in the U.S.

“Staffing is the perfect gateway to help Americans with disabilities to enter the world of work or to, perhaps, pursue a new occupation or career path,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive officer. “ASA is honored to enter into this historic alliance with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy to work together to provide our members with information and resources to create and promote inclusive workplaces for all.”

“America’s staffing companies play a crucial role in keeping the nation working, while also promoting workplaces that are flexible and inclusive,” said ODEP deputy assistant secretary Jennifer Sheehy. “We are delighted that ASA has joined our effort as we revive our economy and ensure that everyone—including people with disabilities—can work and succeed.”

Through this alliance, ODEP and ASA will collaborate to educate ASA member companies and aid them in creating inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities. Since 2006, ODEP’s alliance initiative has helped employer organizations develop and apply model policies and initiatives to increase the recruitment, hiring, retention, and career advancement of people with disabilities.

The U.S. Small Business Administration in May published an official application form to guide borrowers in applying for loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program—but the rules may be changing.

Hear experts from one of the top law firms in Washington, DC, explain the mechanics of loan forgiveness and other issues of general concern to staffing companies during the ASA webinar “Understanding the PPP Loan Forgiveness Rules and the SBA Audit Process.” The two-part session takes place Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12, 2–3 p.m. Eastern time. This webinar is sponsored by Essential StaffCARE.

All ASA webinars are free for ASA members, and most qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal.

The annual National Staffing Employee of the Year program celebrates temporary and contract employees who are outstanding performers and exemplify the promise of staffing employment.

Being selected as the ASA National Staffing Employee of the Year is a high honor. These are some of the benefits of winning:

• Gift card valued at $5,000
• Cover story in Staffing Success magazine
• Recognition during National Staffing Employee Week via a news release, social media, and the ASA website and publications

Finalists, called “All-Stars,” are also recognized—if merited—in five industry sectors: engineering, information technology, and scientific; health care; industrial; office‒clerical and administrative; and professional‒managerial. Sponsored by StaffPRO³, a division of PMC Insurance Group.

The deadline for submissions for the National Staffing Employee of the Year program has been extended to July 1. To learn more and apply, visit americanstaffing.net/awards.

The ASA Staffing Law Conference, a virtual event dedicated to the legal and regulatory issues facing staffing companies during the Covid-19 pandemic, concludes today with sessions on conducting candidate background checks remotely, protecting your firm against client bankruptcy, and preparing for employees to return to their workspaces.

During yesterday’s program, presenters took an in-depth look at the risks associated with remote work arrangements, best practices for managing attorney–client relationships, and the steps to take when considering whether to furlough or lay off employees. Throughout the afternoon, attendees had the opportunity to ask the presenters and ASA attorneys about potential changes to federal and state law, updated resources available from ASA, and other specific questions.

Today’s sessions begin at 12:45 p.m. Eastern time. Get the details at staffinglawconference.net.

The American Staffing Association and its members share the grief, the pain, and the anger felt by so many Americans following the tragic killings of George Floyd and countless other African-Americans in a pattern that has gone on far too long. Brutality and racism have no place in America, or anywhere else in the world.

Things must change, and we must all be part of that change—in the home, at work, and in the communities in which we live. Being able to live without fear and being treated with dignity, decency, and respect are fundamental human rights.

As the employers of 16 million individuals annually of all races, ethnicities, genders, religions, sexual orientations, nationalities, and backgrounds, the staffing industry is committed to continuing to promote inclusion; diversity; and fair, unbiased opportunities for all American workers. And ASA supports the efforts of those who seek to raise awareness and achieve reforms that can lead to a society where all persons are truly treated equally, impartially, without prejudice or discrimination.

America needs to come together. America needs to change. America needs to heal. With the support and guidance of the ASA inclusion, diversity, equity, and advocacy (IDEA) group and its board of directors, the association is committed to working with business and community leaders as well as government officials to be part of the dialogue to end systemic racism and support sustainable change, unity, and equity for all.

Richard Wahlquist
President and Chief Executive Officer

The ASA Staffing Law Conference, the only event dedicated to the legal and regulatory issues facing staffing companies, will be a fully virtual event taking place tomorrow and Thursday, June 3–4.

You’ll get tips on how to manage the potential legal challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic—including screening candidates, managing workers remotely, maintaining client relationships, preparing to reopen work sites, and more.

When you register for the Staffing Law Conference, you get exclusive access to critical information from the nation’s top staffing attorneys. Plus, there’s a virtual expo hall where you can engage with exhibitors and earn chances to win special prizes in the Prize Pass program.

The six sessions will take place over two days, kicking off tomorrow at 12:45 p.m. Eastern time. Get the details and register at staffinglawconference.net.

The ASA Staffing Law Conference, June 3–4, is your chance to hear legal experts’ insights about the challenges the industry is facing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the virtual ASA Staffing Law Conference, get exclusive access to critical information from the nation’s top staffing attorneys at six virtual sessions over two days.

ASA-certified professionals can earn continuing education hours toward maintaining their ASA credential. Learn more and register at staffinglawconference.net.

The ASA Staffing Law Conference, June 3–4, is your chance to hear legal experts’ insights into the challenges the industry is facing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the virtual ASA Staffing Law Conference, get exclusive access to critical information from the nation’s top staffing attorneys at six virtual sessions over two days. ASA-certified professionals can earn continuing education hours toward maintaining their ASA credential.

Next Wednesday and Thursday, don’t miss the only event dedicated exclusively to the legal and regulatory issues facing staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions companies. Register today at staffinglawconference.net.

ASA Staffing Connect: East and Staffing Connect: South have merged into one virtual event—ASA Staffing Connect. The two-day event will take place July 15–16.

Choose the education track that fits your job level—Executive or Producer—and take part in sessions that address the challenges staffing professionals face right now, such as the rise of virtual teams, selling during and after Covid-19, maintaining a healthy company culture in person and online, and how to effectively communicate in a crisis.

ASA-certified professionals can earn continuing education hours toward their certification renewal. Learn more and register at americanstaffing.net.