Staffing employment for the week of Feb. 8–14 was up 0.8% from the prior week, according to the ASA Staffing Index. There were 3.2% more staffing jobs compared with the same week of 2020—the first week-six advance in three years. Temporary-to-hire conversions, inclement weather, and the persistence of Covid-19 were mentioned as factors limiting even further growth. Just over half (52%) of staffing firms reported increased temporary and contract employment.

New starts were up 1.4% on average, with nine in 10 (93%) of staffing companies reporting gains in new assignments week-to-week.

The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average held at a value of 89. Temporary and contract staffing employment mid-January through mid-February expanded 2% year-to-year.

“An upward trend is emerging for staffing employment, which bodes well for nearer-term staffing job recovery even amid the pandemic,” said Cynthia Davidson, ASA senior director of research.

This week, containing the 12th day of the month, will be used in the February monthly employment situation report, which is scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics March 5.

The upcoming ASA Staffing Law Conference will deliver the timely information and targeted legal expertise staffing firms need as more employees return to work and new postpandemic issues surface. The only event dedicated to the legal and regulatory issues facing staffing companies, takes place virtually April 29–30.

Plan to attend sessions such as “Workplace Safety and Vaccine Programs in a Postpandemic World.” Covid-19 vaccines should mean staffing firms have less to worry about, but 2021 brings new legal and operational issues to replace 2020 headaches. Workplace safety requirements are evolving with new state safety and health mandates, and changes in the White House and government agency leadership will mean new enforcement approaches by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Hear from experts who will help your staffing firm navigate changes, stay compliant, and keep your business healthy going forward.

Get the latest information and resources you need to protect your business and take advantage of growth opportunities this year and beyond. Reserve your spot today at staffinglawconference.net. Rates are as low as $195.

The association’s quarterly Staffing Employment and Sales Survey for the fourth quarter of 2020 closes tomorrow. Staffing companies that complete the brief survey by Feb. 19 receive an exclusive report on the results, which includes gross margin and sector-level data.

Register to take the survey at americanstaffing.net/quarterly-survey. If you have questions or did not receive a survey link, email research@americanstaffing.net. There are no fees to participate.

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. 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 at Staffing World^®, Sept. 28–30 in Denver, you will have the opportunity to reach out to industry professionals and build lasting connections during a Breakout Session, Tech Talk, or Game Changer presentation.

Staffing World proposals are due March 22. For more information and to start your submission, visit americanstaffing.net.

Eight in 10 job candidates (80%), both active and passive seekers, foresee working for a new company in the next 12 months—despite, or possibly due to, the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.—according to the 2020 Candidate Sentiment Study by ASA and its corporate research partner, ClearlyRated. The data from the survey, among other results, reveal a sense of optimism about employment and job-related opportunities as the nation continues to fight Covid-19.

The 2020 Candidate Sentiment Study also sheds light on candidates’ perceptions regarding how they look for jobs (online vs. offline resources), the reasons why they decide to leave a job, and their experiences partnering with staffing agencies―with distinct differences reported among generations, industry sectors, races/ethnicities, and genders. A report of the survey findings is available for purchase—get more information at americanstaffing.net/candidate-sentiment-study.

Even the best-performing staffing companies always need to be looking forward, tracking the trends, and pivoting when needed. ASA recently looked at the top trends that are driving the industry right now—visit americanstaffing.net/2021trends and get valuable insights that can help you develop the strategic roadmap your company needs.

Don’t miss the ASA webinar “Taking a Shot: Legal Considerations Regarding Covid-19 Vaccines.” It takes place today from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern time. Learn when it’s legally permissible for employers to require employees to receive Covid-19 vaccinations, what the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission allows, and what employers should know. Sponsored by Essential StaffCARE.

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.

Staffing employment for the week of Jan. 11–17 was up 2.8% from the prior week, according to the ASA Staffing Index. Staffing jobs appear to have rebounded from the December holidays and are at a solid level thus far in 2021—nearly 1% above week two of 2020. Six in 10 staffing firms (59%) reported increased temporary and contract employment.

While new starts were down (-2.2% on average), 86% of staffing companies reported gains in new assignments week to week.

Factoring in the December holidays, the ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average was relatively unchanged at a value of 83. Temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Jan. 17 was only 0.1% lower than the same period last year.

“Staffing employment levels are promising so far in 2021—showing nascent signs of recovery,” said Cynthia Davidson, ASA senior director of research.

This week, containing the 12th day of the month, will be used in the January monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Feb. 5.

Don’t miss the ASA webinar “Guardians at the Gate: How to Use Restrictive Covenants to Protect Your Assets.” It takes place today from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern time. Find out what your firm needs to know about using restrictive covenants—noncompete or nonsolicitation agreements—to retain employees. Sponsored by Essential StaffCARE.

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.

Online registration is now open for the 2021 ASA Staffing Law Conference, a virtual event that takes place April 29–30. Make sure your company has the latest information and resources it needs to protect your business and take advantage of growth opportunities.

Rates are as low as $195. Learn more and reserve your spot today at staffinglawconference.net.