Staffing employment edged down during the week of Aug. 11–17, with the ASA Staffing Index holding at a rounded value of 88. Staffing jobs were 1.9% lower compared with the same period last year, widening the 1.1% year-to-year gap observed the previous week. New starts also decreased, down 7.2% from the prior week; 36% of staffing companies reported gains in new assignments week to week, below the average of 42% so far in 2025. Temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Aug. 17 was 1.2% below the same period in 2024.

National Staffing Employee Week is an annual celebration that honors the contributions of the millions of individuals employed by U.S. staffing agencies. This year’s event takes place Sept. 8–14. ASA member companies will host activities to honor their greatest asset: their temporary and contract employees. Celebrations include award ceremonies, appreciation luncheons, and social media campaigns. Get ideas for your recognition festivities at americanstaffing.net/nsew.

To lead in today’s challenging market, resilience isn’t enough—you need strategic foresight and bold action. Get it at Staffing World^® 2025, Oct. 6–8 in Orlando, FL.

At the ASA annual convention and expo you’ll hear strategies and insights to help you solve today’s toughest business challenges—from Olympic icon Katie Ledecky (opening keynote sponsored by World Wide Specialty, a Division of Philadelphia Insurance Cos.); Wall Street veteran Carla Harris (closing keynote sponsored by ConverzAI); a panel of industry leaders in technology and artificial intelligence strategy (staffing industry panel sponsored by T2 Insurance Solutions); and more.

Visit staffingworld.net and register by next Friday, Aug. 29, for the best rates available. Bring your team and save 15% on full registration packages for additional attendees.

ASA announced today artificial intelligence (AI)-powered data intelligence solutions provider Prodoscore as the newest member of its corporate partnership program.

An ASA corporate partnership represents the highest level of support for the association and the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and talent solutions industry. Prodoscore’s support will strengthen ongoing ASA initiatives as well as future projects.

“Prodoscore’s cutting-edge use of AI-centered data is helping staffing agencies enhance employee efficiency and productivity, and optimize digital transformation,” said ASA chief executive officer Richard Wahlquist. “The association’s partnership with Prodoscore will support our efforts to help members to unlock worker potential and elevate performance using data to drive strategic decision making.”

“Our partnership with the American Staffing Association is a testament to the growing demand for data-driven insights within the staffing sector,” said Sam Naficy, CEO at Prodoscore. “Prodoscore is committed to helping firms move beyond traditional metrics to understand how their teams work. This gives leaders a blueprint for success, allowing them to make smarter decisions about training and onboarding, technology adoption, and overall team performance that will optimize operations, reduce burnout, and ultimately drive greater success for their businesses and their people. “We look forward to working with ASA members to help them modernize their workplaces and unlock the full potential of their workforce.”

THRIVE Live empowers women leaders in staffing to sharpen their skills, accelerate their leadership impact, and gain the insights needed to grow their careers and influence. It takes place Oct. 5–6 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

At THRIVE Live, presented by the ASA women in leadership interest group, you’ll get information on talent trends, strategies, and tactics to thrive in leadership. Hear from presenters like Angie’s Boomchickapop co-founder Angie Bastian; social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, fear facer, and branding strategist Michelle Poler; business leadership coach and author Lisa Bragg; and Sales Gravy senior master trainer Gina Trimarco.

Visit americanstaffing.net/thrive to learn more—and register by Aug. 29 for the best rates available. Staffing World^® takes place right after THRIVE Live, Oct. 6–8 at the same location in Orlando.

The ASA women in leadership interest group is sponsored by ASA corporate partners Advance Partners, Bullhorn, and ClearlyRated, and by AdaMarie, Avionté, Marsh McLennan Agency, Mee Derby, Sense, and T2 Insurance Solutions.

Sue Burnett, founder and president of Houston-based Burnett Specialists, will be inducted in the ASA Leadership Hall of Fame, the organization announced today.

Starting in 1974 with a $10,000 loan and her car as collateral, Burnett built Burnett Specialists into Houston’s largest staffing and recruiting firm, according to the Houston Business Journal, with offices around Texas in Houston, Austin, El Paso, and San Antonio. Burnett served on the ASA board of directors from 2001 through 2004. Along with other members of the Lady Leaders Book Club, she co-authored the book Together We Rise, proceeds of which supported the ASA Women in Leadership Scholarship program. She was also a contributor to the book Women Mean Business. Her deep commitment to philanthropy and service extends beyond staffing, as Burnett serves on the board of directors for several organizations and supported the creation of the University of Arkansas Sue Walk Burnett Student Media and Journalism building in Fayetteville.

“Sue Burnett is one of the most universally respected leaders in the staffing and recruiting industry today,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at ASA. “Sue’s a visionary who 51 years ago leveraged a $10,000 loan into one of the most successful firms in Texas. “Just as important as Sue’s many business accomplishments is her unwavering dedication to giving back to the staffing industry and her community. In addition to her philanthropy, Sue’s history of mentoring and supporting women—and men—in staffing is a testament to her character and legacy of success.”