May 25, 2021

ASA Staffing Index: Staffing Demand Continues in May

After five weeks of growth, staffing employment for the week of May 10–16 was unchanged (0.00%) from the prior week, holding at a rounded value of 95, according to the ASA Staffing Index. Staffing Jobs were up significantly (+57.3%) year-to-year and continue to maintain a similar trajectory (-0.02%) relative to the same week in 2019. Temporary-to-hire conversions were mentioned by several staffing companies, in addition to Covid-19, as factors limiting staffing job growth.

New starts expanded 9.3% on average, with half of staffing companies reporting gains in new assignments week-to-week.

The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average increased to a rounded value of 95, nearing levels seen in December 2019. Temporary and contract staffing employment from mid-April through mid-May grew 57% compared with the pandemic lows during the same time frame in 2020.

“Although staffing employment was stalled this past week, overall staffing job growth has continued in May—as evidenced by a healthy expansion in new starts. That’s a sign of steady demand for staffing services,” said Cynthia Davidson, ASA senior director of research.

This week, containing the 12th day of the month, will be used in the May monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics June 4. All staffing firms with U.S. operations are invited to participate in the weekly ASA Staffing Index survey. Participants receive a weekly email summary report, and there are no fees to participate.

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Upcoming Events

Free ASA Webinar Tomorrow—Stress Management

Don’t miss tomorrow’s ASA webinar “Managing Stress in Times of Uncertainty—Part 2,” 3–4 p.m. Eastern time. Learn how to combat stress and help employees thrive in the workplace during the second session in a two-part Mental Health Awareness Month series. Presented by the ASA inclusion, diversity, and equity advocacy (IDEA) group, which is sponsored by ASA corporate partner Monster and by Anthem, along with supporting sponsors TerraFirma and WorkN.

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.

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Get Ready: The Industry’s First Major In-Person Event Happens This Fall

Some things are just better in person, and Staffing World®—the ASA annual convention and expo—is one of them. The staffing community has shown great resilience during the past year, and it is time to reunite with your industry peers—make strategic connections and get solutions that will fuel your growth and success in the months ahead, especially as U.S. companies and employees continue to adapt to pandemic-induced change.

Join the staffing community at Staffing World 2021, Sept. 28–30 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Denver. Register today for the best rate available at staffingworld.net.

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Find Pay Rate Benchmarks for Your Area

Find employment and wage estimates for nearly 800 occupations nationwide, by state and by metropolitan statistical area, with the newly updated ASA Temporary Help Wage Tool—now available as an easy-to-download Excel file.

Use the tool to develop a picture of the temporary help services industry and inform strategic decisions. To get more information and download the tool, visit americanstaffing.net/wage-tool.

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Staffing Today is published by the American Staffing Association, with news abstracts copyrighted in 2024 by SmithBucklin of Chicago, IL, and all other content copyrighted in 2024 by ASA. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

About ASA

The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. Learn more at americanstaffing.net.

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