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.