Dive Brief:
- The U.S. staffing industry employed an average of 3.2 million temporary and contract workers weekly for the the third quarter of 2018 — a 0.1% increase over the same period in 2017, according to the American Staffing Association.
- With talent shortages plaguing almost every industry, the staffing sector has been called on for both short- and long-term workers who may be looking for more flexible options as well as those looking for permanent positions, ASA President and CEO Richard Wahlquist said.
- The third quarter of 2018 showed the industry's total sales at over $35 billion, an increase of 4.2% over third quarter 2017. Employment increased 0.7% from the second to the third quarter of 2018, and temporary and contract staffing sales were up 1.5% over the same period.
Dive Insight:
Demand for temporary workers has been on the rise, with no end in sight.
As businesses face skills and talent gaps when recruiting employees, contract workers can help employers maintain head count while simultaneously maintaining agility.
For many businesses, a plan to use temporary, part-time or contract workers is incorporated into strategic planning. A deliberate shift toward more non-traditional workers, including remote and gig workers, continues to rise. And for many contractors, wages have been stable, but commitment levels and longevity can be sporadic.