Strategic Management

In a highly anticipated measure of the “gig economy,” the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics today issued a news release on its May 2017 survey of Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements, which was last conducted in February 2005. Its conclusion? Contingent work declined over that 12-year span. Moreover, contingent work has declined since the 1995… More ›

Up 3.0% From a Year Ago Temporary help employment changed little (-0.3%) from April to May, but was 3.0% higher than in May 2017, according to seasonally adjusted data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Year-to-year staffing job growth has averaged 3.6% per month in the first five months of 2018, significantly… More ›

Economic activity expanded moderately in late April and early May, according to the Federal Reserve Board’s latest report on regional economies (known as the “beige book”). Employment rose at a modest to moderate pace, but labor market conditions remained tight. Shortages of qualified workers were reported in various specialized trades and occupations, including truck drivers… More ›

ASA Staffing Index Monthly Report, May 2018 The ASA Staffing Index for the week of May 7–13 edged down 0.1% but remained at a rounded value of 97, a new high for the 19th week of the year. The index continued a streak of record high readings for the comparable week—a trend that began in… More ›

Up 3.9% From a Year Ago Temporary help employment edged up 0.3% from March to April, and was 3.9% higher than in April 2017, according to seasonally adjusted data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Year-to-year staffing job growth has averaged 3.8% per month in the first four months of 2018, significantly… More ›

ASA Staffing Index Monthly Report, April 2018 Staffing employment for the week of April 9–15 surged 1.2% to a rounded value of 96—the strongest reading for the same week since the inception of the ASA Staffing Index in 2006. Temporary and contract staffing employment was 3.0% higher than the same week last year, which then… More ›

Economic activity continued to expand at a modest to moderate pace in March and early April, according to the Federal Reserve Board’s latest report on regional economies (known as the “beige book”). Employment growth was modest to moderate in most districts, though many employers experienced challenges finding qualified candidates to fill positions. Labor shortages were… More ›

Up 3.8% From a Year Ago Temporary help employment remained unchanged (0.0%) from February to March, but was 3.8% higher than in March 2017, according to seasonally adjusted data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Year-to-year staffing job growth has averaged 3.7% per month in the first three months of 2018, significantly… More ›

ASA Staffing Index Monthly Report, March 2018 Staffing employment for the week of March 12–18 increased 0.7%, growing for the third consecutive week to a rounded value of 95—the best reading for this particular week in 10 years—according to the ASA Staffing Index. Temporary and contract staffing employment was 2.2% higher than the same week… More ›