The big picture: The ASA Staffing Index increased by 1.1% in October 2025, reaching a rounded value of 92, marking its sixth consecutive week of positive year-over-year growth and surpassing 2024 figures. This indicates a continued, albeit modest, expansion in temporary and contract staffing employment despite broader economic challenges.

Why it matters: This steady progress in staffing employment offers a crucial real-time indicator of labor market resilience, suggesting that the contingent workforce sector is finding momentum and setting a stronger foundation for the upcoming year. It provides a counter-narrative to a generally sluggish labor market.

Between the lines:

• The ASA Staffing Index grew 1.1% to 92, with staffing jobs 2.2% higher than the same period last year.
• New starts increased by 1.0% week-over-week, though only 38% of companies reported gains, slightly below the 2025 average of 42%.
• The four-week moving average for temporary and contract staffing employment was 1.4% higher compared to 2024.

Staffing & HR impact: Staffing firms are demonstrating an ability to drive growth even in a challenging environment, potentially leading to improved gross margins and increased demand for skilled recruiters. This sustained growth could also signal a shift in client hiring strategies towards more flexible workforce solutions.

The bottom line: Staffing's consistent upward trend provides a hopeful counter-narrative to a generally sluggish labor market, positioning the industry for a stronger start to 2026.