The Canadian Staffing Index was 81 in August. The Canadian Staffing Index reflects the volume of labor supplied by temporary staffing agencies in Canada. It is based upon the number of billed hours reported by a monthly panel of leading staffing firms, and the index is not adjusted for seasonal factors. The index value of 100 corresponds to the size of the industry in July 2008, when the index began.

“The index was 81 in August, down 12.0% versus August 2023, with this year’s August having the same number of working days compared to a year ago,” said Timothy Landhuis, vice president of research at SIA. “The index continues to show a trend of double-digit year-over-year declines in volume that began in the summer of 2023.”

The Canadian Staffing Index measures the hours of labour performed by a sampling of temporary and contract staffing in the staffing industry. The data collected is the largest sample size done in Canada provided by a number of Canadian staffing companies and accounts for approximately one third of total staffing industry sales. To preserve confidentiality the data is collected by Staffing Industry Analysts www.staffingindustry.com; an independent company specialized in staffing industry statistics. Data is available for the months starting July 2008 (the benchmark month) to the current month.

In review of similar Index research from the USA, many experts agree staffing industry employment data serves as an economic indicator. Historically, temporary employment improves as overtime hours increase and as unemployment claims decrease. This means the Index can provide a "near real time" indication of how the Canadian economy is performing.

"The Canadian Staffing Index demonstrates both the changes in the Canadian economy and the volatile nature of the staffing business. It is that ability to provide a flexible workforce that brings tremendous value to our clients."

Understanding the Canadian Staffing Index Click here to view the PowerPoint Presenation (Members Only)

For more information regarding the Canadian Staffing Index contact:

Mary McIninch, B.A.,LL.B
Executive Director, Government Relations
1-888-232-4962 / 905-826-6869