Staffing employment continued to rebound during the week of Jan. 12–18, with the ASA Staffing Index increasing by 2.6% to a rounded value of 84. Staffing companies cited no one primary factor that hindered growth. Staffing jobs were 2.0% higher compared with the same period last year, up from 1.2% recorded the previous week.

New starts, however, decreased in the third week of the year, down by 8.4% from the prior week. Almost one in three staffing companies (32%) reported gains in new assignments week to week, below the average of 41% last year.

The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average decreased from the previous week to a rounded value of 80. Temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Jan. 18 was 1.8% higher than during the same period in 2024.

“Weekly changes in the ASA Staffing Index continue to exceed their levels from prior years, suggesting gradual momentum in staffing employment,” said Noah Yosif, chief economist at ASA. “A more emphatic recovery still has yet to materialize as stagnant labor market conditions depress employers’ appetites for hiring and workers’ sentiments for quitting.”

This week will be used in the January monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Feb. 6.

Don’t miss the ASA webinar “Chaos-Proof Your Family Business, Session One: Your Inner Family Business and the Chaos-Proof Framework.” It takes place today from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern time. In the first session of this two-part webinar, Adam Hatcher, Esq., of Twenty One Clear LLC explores why some family companies succeed and others succumb to infighting, selfishness, and poor decision making—and how to prevent a family business from self-destructing.

All ASA webinars are complimentary for ASA members, and most qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. To learn more and to register, visit americanstaffing.net.

Are you looking for ideas on how to improve candidate communication and recruitment? Get insights from industry peers during the ASA Recruiting Professionals Networking Call. It takes place Thursday, Jan. 29, 1–2 p.m. Eastern time.

This virtual networking call, focused on hot topics, trends, and the economic outlook, will be facilitated by ASA member volunteers. Let ASA know what is on your mind when you register so your questions can be included in the conversation. The call qualifies for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal.

The ASA Staffing Law & Compliance Conference is the must-attend legal and compliance event for staffing leaders—returning May 7–8 in Washington, DC.

With new federal and state regulations already in effect, and enforcement priorities shifting, you need to stay ahead of risk and make confident compliance decisions by attending this highly focused event that delivers practical, staffing-specific guidance. Get expert insight on immigration and Form I-9 compliance, using artificial intelligence in recruiting, fraud prevention, worker classification, and more.

Session descriptions are now available. Save more than $200 when you register by March 6. Learn more at staffinglawconference.net.