This month, Staffing Industry Analysts’ (SIA) Pulse Survey revealed a median 10% year-on-year (y/y) decrease in respondents’ US temporary staffing revenue during October, a modest improvement on the 7% dip reported during August. On aggregate, staffing revenue decreased 17% y/y, continuing a trend that has been observed since 2023 of lagging growth (which is more influenced by larger companies). This was particularly evident when broken down by company size; small companies saw 1% y/y decreases in revenue, medium companies dropped 10%, and large companies experienced a 15% decrease.
The survey also highlighted positive growth in locum tenens (20%) and allied healthcare (2%) staffing sectors. However, four staffing segments – engineering, finance/accounting, legal, and office/clerical – showed no change in revenue, and the direct hire sector was also flat y/y. Alarmingly, the travel nurse staffing segment had the highest dip in revenue, with a decrease of 21%, while per diem nursing and life sciences fell by 14% and 8% respectively.
When asked to elaborate on the challenges they’re currently facing, 115 respondents noted a decrease in new orders/requ
