The number of temporary and contract workers employed by U.S. staffing companies eased 1.7% to an average of 2.4 million workers per week from the second to the third quarter of 2023, according to the ASA Staffing Employment and Sales Survey.

The decline reflects the overall slowdown in the pace of job creation during much of the past year among employers of all sizes in the face of volatile macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions and forecasts. Amid that cooling job market, temporary and contract staffing sales also declined by 3.5% during the same period.

On a year-to-year basis, staffing jobs declined 14.1% in the third quarter of 2023, while temporary and contract staffing sales decreased 14.5% to total $34.7 billion in the third quarter of 2023. Survey respondents are cautiously optimistic about the new year.

“As always, the staffing, recruiting, and talent solutions industry pivots quickly to assist employers with their variable and changing needs for flexible and permanent staff. In contrast to the furious pace of hiring in late 2021 and much of 2022, employers are now settling into a new normal of slow and steady growth,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA chief executive officer. “But with 1.3 openings per worker, labor markets remain tight and employers continue to struggle with recruiting workers with the most in-demand skill sets—something we expect to continue for the foreseeable future.”

ASA strives to deliver valuable information and the resources you need to fuel your company’s success. Therefore, the association has commissioned Readex Research to conduct a comprehensive communications and content survey—and your input is critical.

Members received a unique survey link via email. Those who have not yet completed the survey will receive a reminder email today. Please take a few moments to participate. Once you complete the survey, you can enter to win one of five $50 Amazon gift cards. Responses will be kept confidential.

ASA members have access to the industry’s most comprehensive and respected educational and professional development resources. Members can cultivate knowledge and expertise that sets them apart from the competition, enhances their operations, and protects them from legal pitfalls.

Remember to renew your ASA membership today so you can continue to access free, live webinars hosted by industry experts; professional certification programs that validate your team’s expertise; timely legal and regulatory news; industry-specific and broader economic data; and more.

Visit americanstaffing.net/renew or call the membership department at 703-253-2020.

Right now is the perfect time to invest in yourself, your company, and your future success. During the ASA certification sale, you’ll save 30% on certification products (excluding renewals)—including certification packages, exams, books, and more.

Find out why an ASA credential will help you stand out in your field, then place your order in in the ASA store, using discount code HOLIDAY23-E, to get 30% off your purchase. The sale ends Dec. 31.

Can you offer solutions for the challenges that staffing firms face today? ASA is looking for experts in the staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry to share their experience and expertise at Staffing World^®, the ASA annual convention and expo. Staffing World 2024 takes place Oct. 22–24 in Nashville, TN. The association also is looking for professionals in business, workforce solutions, workplace management, and other disciplines pertinent to the staffing industry to present ASA webinars.

As a presenter for ASA, you will have the opportunity to reach out to industry professionals and build lasting connections. For more information and to start your submission, visit americanstaffing.net.

Women comprise the majority of internal workforces in U.S. staffing firms, but remain underrepresented at the executive, c-suite, and board levels. This is according to data from the third gender equity benchmark survey led by the Women Business Collaborative with support from ASA, the National Association of Personnel Services, Staffing Industry Analysts, and TechServe Alliance.

“Women need access to more opportunities to thrive in staffing. Conversations like the upcoming webinar are vital to keeping the topic of developing future women leaders in staffing front and center in our industry,” said Joanie Bily, chair of ASA. “I’m proud to serve as chair of the American Staffing Association, an organization whose board has achieved gender parity. ASA will continue to help women staffing leaders receive the support they need to reach their full career potential.”

ASA is hosting industry thought leaders in the ASA webinar “A Panel Discussion on Gender Equity in the Staffing Industry—A Review of the 2023 Women Business Collaborative’s Staffing Industry Benchmark Survey,” Thursday, Dec. 14, 2–3 p.m. Eastern time.

For staffing companies, there is no better source for business-building information, news, and research than the American Staffing Association. From bringing you the latest news—and helping you navigate the legal landscape, to providing you with industry data—and connecting you with other staffing professionals, ASA is your strategic partner in helping you grow your business and your career.

Make sure ASA continues working to promote and maintain the best possible environment for your business. Visit americanstaffing.net/renew or call the membership department at 703-253-2020.

ASA is looking for experts in the staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry to share their experience and expertise with industry professionals at Staffing World^® 2024—the ASA annual convention and expo takes place Oct. 22–24 in Nashville, TN.

Share your experience and expertise during a breakout session (interactive presentation; between 60 and 75 minutes long), knowledge hub tech talk (presentation on technology topics important to the industry; 10 minutes long), or knowledge hub speed talk (presentation on a general topic important to the industry; 10 minutes long).

For more information and to start your submission, visit americanstaffing.net/presenters. The deadline for Staffing World breakout session proposals is Jan. 31, and the deadline for Staffing World knowledge hub speed talks or tech talks is May 31. ASA also is accepting proposals for ASA webinars, due Jan. 31.

Put your staffing company on the path toward greater success in 2024. During the ASA certification sale, you can earn the Certified Staffing Professional^®, Technical Services Certified^SM, Certified Search Consultant^®, or Certified Health Care Staffing Professional^® credential from ASA at a discount. (The discount does not apply to certification renewals.)

ASA staffing certification programs are designed to cultivate the expertise and professionalism it takes to be a top practitioner in the staffing and recruiting industry. All certification packages, materials, and exams are 30% off in the ASA store. Use the discount code HOLIDAY23-E at checkout.

Can you offer solutions for the challenges that staffing firms face today? ASA is looking for experts in the staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry to share their experience and expertise at Staffing World^®—the ASA annual convention and expo—and during ASA webinars. As a presenter for ASA, you will have the opportunity to reach out to industry professionals and build lasting connections.

At Staffing World^® 2024, Oct. 22–24 in Nashville, TN, slots are available for breakout sessions (interactive presentations; between 60 and 75 minutes long), knowledge hub tech talks (presentations on technology topics important to the industry; 10 minutes long), or knowledge hub speed talks (presentations on general topics important to the industry; 10 minutes long). ASA webinars, which take place virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays, are typically 60 minutes long.

For more information and to start your submission, visit americanstaffing.net/presenters. The deadline for Staffing World breakout session proposals and ASA webinars is Jan. 31. The deadline for Staffing World knowledge hub speed talks and tech talks is May 31.