Temporary liasons. - increase in temporary workers

American Demographics, Nov, 1997 by Kevin Heubusch

More than 2.3 million temporary workers were employed on an average day in the first quarter of 1997, an increase of 10 percent over the first quarter of 1996, according to the National Association of Temporary and Staffing Services (NATSS) of Alexandria, Virginia. And it's not necessarily temporary receptionists and administrative assistants who are boosting temporary payrolls. Demand for temps with professional skills is increasing more rapidly than for less-skilled contingent workers.

Total wages paid to temps in professional fields such as accounting, law, and management leapt 60 percent between the first quarters of 1996 and 1997. In contrast, the payroll for clerical and office workers, the traditional staple of temporary services, increased 5 percent over the same period.

Despite rapid payroll growth, temps in professional fields make up a relatively small share of the total temp payroll. Just 8 percent of industry wages went to these temps in the first quarter of 1997.

But the share may grow as companies expand temporary hiring practices into more areas of their businesses. Professionals are seeing the gold-watch scenario fading, says Bruce Steinburg, director of research at NATSS. "For many, job security now lies within themselves, not within a single company. Job continuity is replacing job security." Temporary work is one way professionals stay continuously employed.

Office and clerical workers remain the largest share of the temp payroll, but just barely. Their share of wages stood at 35 percent in the first quarter of 1997, down from 48 percent in 1991. Workers in industrial occupations have drawn nearly even with office temps, claiming 34 percent of total wages.

For more information, contact the National Association of Temporary and Staffing Services; telephone (703) 549-6287.