The number of temporary and contract workers employed by U.S. staffing companies declined 4.6% to an average of 2.5 million workers per week from the first to the second quarter of 2023, according to data released today by ASA. The decline represents a deviation from the typical pattern of temporary and contract employment in the U.S., in which staffing employment and sales typically decline in the first quarter, grow in subsequent quarters, and peak in the fourth quarter.

In the face of a slowing economy and continued macroeconomic uncertainty, temporary and contract staffing sales also declined by 4.0% during the same period. Staffing jobs declined 12.2% in the second quarter of 2023 from the same period in 2022, while temporary and contract staffing sales decreased 9.1% over that span to total $35.9 billion in the second quarter of 2023.

“The staffing, recruiting, and talent solutions industry faced some headwinds this year as employers across several industry sectors scaled back the massive hiring they undertook in 2021 and much of 2022,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA chief executive officer. “Nevertheless, demand for labor remains healthy, and the staffing industry continues to play an important in providing talent solutions to companies and impactful employment opportunities to millions of American workers every day. Looking ahead, survey respondents from private staffing firms are cautiously optimistic about demand picking up, with median projected year-over-year fourth quarter results expected to be flat compared with 2022.”

Staffing employment edged up in the week of Sept. 11-17, with the ASA Staffing Index increasing by 1.1% to a rounded value of 101. Many staffing companies listed a holiday as a barrier preventing further growth. Staffing jobs were 4.9% below the same week last year.

New starts in the 37th week of the year rose 5.9% from the prior week. Almost half of all staffing companies (49%) reported gains in new assignments week to week.

The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average increased from the prior week to hold at a rounded value of 101, and temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Sept. 17 was 4.8% lower than the same period in 2022.

“Staffing employment continues to trend below 2022 but above levels seen in the spring of 2023,” said Tim Hulley, assistant research director at ASA.

This week, containing the 12th day of the month, will be used in the September monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Oct. 6.

Don’t miss tomorrow’s ASA webinar “Selling a Staffing Business: Preparations and Considerations for Success,” 2–3 p.m. Eastern time. Attorneys James Rieger and Jason Rimland of Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP will detail the considerations, challenges, and nuances of preparing your staffing firm for sale. Sponsored by Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP.

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.

Are you looking for opportunities to contribute your skills and insights in the staffing industry, and serve as an industry leader? ASA is currently seeking dedicated members for volunteer committees and councils.

ASA needs your skills, insight, and unique perspective so it can continue to provide timely, valuable resources to members. Apply for a volunteer opportunity to work directly with other members, learn about workforce trends and best practices, and build on your experience to become a thought leader with the association. Log in to ASA Central and visit the volunteer page to find an opportunity that fits your interests.

From programs addressing the health care worker shortage to classes developing real estate skills, the American Staffing Association’s 2023 Elevate Award winners display the range of staffing’s influence on the labor market. Created in 2018, the Elevate Awards celebrate the staffing industry’s most innovative workforce development programs for temporary and contract employees. Award classes are determined by company revenue.

“The ASA Elevate Award highlights the staffing industry’s commitment to helping people future-proof their careers through training, upskilling, and reskilling,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at ASA. “By fostering innovation and empowering the workforce through skill development, Elevate Award honorees are a testament to the transformative impact of staffing on individuals and industries alike.”

Award winners will be honored during a ceremony at Staffing World^®, the ASA annual convention and expo, Oct. 3–5 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC.

2023 ASA Elevate Award Winners:
Staffing Agencies With More Than $100 Million in Annual Sales
Nomad Health, “Every Clinician Matters”
Staffing Agencies With $25 Million–$100 Million in Annual Sales
Hamilton-Ryker, “WorkWell”
Staffing Agencies With $7.5 Million–$25 Million in Annual Sales
JWilliams Staffing, “Real Estate Learning Network”

Honorable Mentions:
Staffing Agencies With More Than $100 Million in Annual Sales
PeopleReady, “WorkUp”
Randstad North America, “Transcend”

Staffing World^® is only days away—it will take place Oct. 3–5 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC. The ASA annual convention and expo brings together the who’s who of the staffing community, and many of the industry’s standout companies have already registered for Staffing World 2023. Make sure to reserve your spot to join them for inspiration, education, and collaboration.

Don’t miss your chance to connect with like-minded staffing professionals—visit staffingworld.net for more information and to register.

The staffing and recruiting industry’s top social responsibility programs were recognized as winners of the ASA Care Awards, the association announced today. The winners will be recognized during a ceremony at Staffing World^®, the ASA annual convention and expo, Oct. 3–5 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC.

“All across the country, staffing and recruiting companies are giving back to people, communities, and causes in ways that are changing lives and improving society,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at ASA. “Through their innovative and compassionate programs, our Care Award honorees exemplify some of the best examples of the positive societal impact that businesses can make when they embrace social responsibility as a key priority and company value.”

The 2023 ASA Care Award Honorees are

Staffing Agencies With More Than $100 Million in Annual Sales
LaSalle Network (ASA Care Award)
Medix Staffing Solutions LLC (ASA Care Award)

Staffing Agencies With $25 Million–$100 Million in Annual Sales
Workbox Staffing (ASA Care Award)
Conexus MedStaff LLC (honorable mention)
L.K. Jordan & Associates (honorable mention)
Queen Consulting Group, A Talent Group Company (honorable mention)

Staffing Agencies With $7.5 Million–$25 Million in Annual Sales
Award Staffing (ASA Care Award)
vChief (honorable mention)

Staffing Agencies With Less Than $7.5 Million in Annual Sales
PPL Events (ASA Care Award)
Chisholm Consulting LLC (honorable mention)
Qwalifize Staffing & Consulting (honorable mention)

Associate Members (Industry Suppliers)
Avionté (ASA Care Award)
Bullhorn (ASA Care Award)

For more information about the ASA Care Awards program, visit americanstaffing.net/awards.

The ASA Legal Line monthly video series features a member of the ASA legal team or a guest attorney addressing critical legal, regulatory, and legislative topics that have direct implications for your business. In this month’s ASA Legal Line video, Lia Elliott, Esq., co-managing partner with law firm Staffing GC, discusses Staffing World^® 2023 and the not-to-be-missed session “The Most Entertaining Employment Law Game Show Ever!”

It’s one of more than 30 educational sessions taking place at the ASA annual convention and expo, Oct. 3–5 in Charlotte, NC. Learn more about the learning opportunities—which will deliver current and critical information for staffing industry professionals focused on growth, streamlined operations, risk mitigation, increased sales, and more—and register for Staffing World at staffingworld.net.

Watch the latest ASA Legal Line video, then join the conversation on ASA Central. The ASA Legal Line monthly video series is sponsored by Essential StaffCARE, an ASA corporate partner.

SEEK Careers/Staffing Inc. vice president Sara Luchsinger, CSP, has been named the 2023 American Staffing Association Volunteer of the Year. This prestigious recognition celebrates the Wisconsin native and Lakeland University alumna’s remarkable dedication to advancing the staffing industry and her selfless contributions to her peers and the community.

Over the course of two decades, Luchsinger has been an active and influential figure within the staffing community. Her leadership has been instrumental to several ASA volunteer groups, including the women in leadership group council, education and certification committee, and social responsibility committee. In addition to being a valued mentor in the ASA Mentor Match program, she serves on both the industrial section council and the staffing technology task force.

“Sara’s dedication and passion for advancing the interests of people, organizations, and communities—and particularly her emphasis on empowering women—exemplify the spirit of our association.,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at the American Staffing Association. “Sara’s dedication to uplifting fellow staffing professionals and tireless efforts to drive positive change are inspiring to everyone who knows her.”

Luchsinger will be honored during a ceremony at Staffing World^®, the ASA annual convention and expo, Oct. 3–5 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC.

Are you looking for opportunities to contribute your skills and insights in the staffing industry, and serve as an industry leader? ASA is currently seeking dedicated members to serve on volunteer committees and councils.

Apply for a volunteer opportunity to work directly with other members, learn about workforce trends and best practices, and build on your experience to become a thought leader with the association.