The ASA Staffing Index rose to 90 in mid-September 2025, its highest value of the year, with staffing employment up 0.5% YoY, the first annual gain since January 2023.

• New starts increased 5.4% WoW, with 55% of staffing companies reporting gains, well above the 2025 average of 42%.

• The four-week moving average held at 89, though staffing employment over that period was still -0.3% YoY.

• The index’s year-to-year gap turned positive for the first time since 2023, signaling potential stabilization after prolonged weakness.

• Some firms noted the Labor Day holiday limited stronger growth during the survey week.