Temporary Staffing Agencies and Direct Hire Placement Firms- Facts

Jobs
We're the jobs people. Staffing companies match millions of people to millions of jobs.

2.5 million people per day are employed by staffing companies.
500,000 new jobs have been created by staffing companies over the past two years.
79% of temporary employees work full time, virtually the same as the rest of the work force.

Flexibility
The staffing industry offers flexibility to both employees and companies. People can choose when, where, and how they want to work. Companies can get the skills they need to keep fully staffed during busy times.

64% of temporary employees say flexible work time is important to them.
28% of temporary employees say they work for a staffing company because it gives them the flexibility and time to pursue nonwork interests.
81% of companies cite labor force flexibility as the overriding reason for employing contingent and temporary workers.

Bridge
Temporary and contract work provides a bridge to permanent employment. People can try out a prospective employer and showcase their skills for a permanent job.

74% of temporary employees say it's a way to get a permanent job.
72% of temporary employees obtain permanent jobs while working for a staffing company.
40% of assigned employees are looking for their first permanent job or are reentering the job market.

Choice
Many people choose temporary and contract work as an employment option. They can select their work schedules and choose among a variety of diverse and challenging assignments.

45% of temporary employees prefer the alternative arrangement over traditional employment.
43% of temporary employees say needing time for family is an important factor in their job decisions.
29% of temporary employees say they work for a staffing company because they like the diversity and challenge of different jobs.

Training
The staffing industry provides free training for millions of temporary and contract employees to help meet today's demand for skilled workers.

90% of staffing companies provide free training to their temporary employees.
4.8 million temporary employees received skills training worth $720 million in 1997.
70% of temporary employees say they gained new skills through their assignments.

Sources: American Staffing Association, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Omnicomp Group, the Conference Board