If you’ve just started your staffing firm, joining a staffing association can be one of the best investments you make in your company’s future. While membership isn’t required to own and operate a staffing agency, staffing associations provide industry professionals with networking events, educational programs, advertising opportunities, market insights, legal guidance, and more.
Below, we cover some of the most prominent staffing industry associations you can join to access the critical tools your staffing agency needs to succeed. Depending on your budget for membership dues, it may be worthwhile to consider joining more than one organization, especially if you want to explore and compare benefits. For example, membership in both a national and regional association can provide the best mix of benefits.
1. American Staffing Association
As the most well-known staffing group in the country, the American Staffing Association (ASA) hosts a wealth of resources, from industry events and webinars to interactive masterclasses. The ASA Certification Program features the Certified Staffing Professional credential, a widely recognized distinction that can help set you and your staffing agency apart from your competition.
Explore the ASA’s membership page to learn more about key benefits, or discover member communities and local chapters that interest you. Meet the Board of Directors and listen to a few podcast episodes to see if joining ASA could benefit you.
2. United States Staffing Association
The United States Staffing Association, caters to a wide range of staffing agency founders, from those just starting out to seasoned professionals who rely on staffing associations for invaluable support. Membership includes exclusive events, tools, training, and access to additional resources, including the Partner Spotlight. United States Staffing Association members also receive new resources every month and an invitation to a restricted LinkedIn group.
3. TempNet Staffing Association
Founded in 1970, the TempNet Staffing Association commands a significant presence in the staffing industry. Manager Net, training, Google groups, a Peer Review Committee, and discount programs are just a few of the numerous benefits that a TempNet Staffing Association membership affords you. Membership requirements do include a business history of at least two years and active participation in at least one hosted event per year.
Every March and September, the TempNet Staffing Association holds a conference featuring presentations by keynote speakers and experts, alongside CEO Net and Manager Net roundtables.
4. Staffing Industry Analysts
Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) serves the Americas (U.S., Canada, and Latin America), EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), and APAC (Asia, Australia, and New Zealand). Most staffing firms obtain corporate membership, but SIA also provides CWS Council membership.
Key resources available to prospective SIA members include the Speaker Bureau and Global Daily News, keeping you informed on staffing trends and happenings in the industry. Training and certification programs offered by SIA include Certified Contingent Workforce Professional (CCWP) CW Program Management and Certified Contingent Workforce Professional (CCWP) SOW Management.
5. TechServe Alliance
TechServe Alliance provides IT and engineering staffing companies with the resources they need to excel in these competitive industries. This IT staffing association offers two membership levels (Regular and Premium), each with a different dues structure based on annual revenue.
Like many other staffing associations listed above, TechServe Alliance hosts blogs, webinars, conferences, and podcasts. Members can also apply for their Account Executive (CPSAE) & Recruiter (CPSR) Professional Certifications, which are offered at two distinct levels. In addition, monthly roundtables bring members together to share common challenges and thoughts on recent industry events and changes.
6. National Association of Personnel Services
Joining the National Association of Personnel Services unlocks several valuable resources, including subscriptions to three different newsletters, featured discounts, and half-cost credentialing. The NAPS boasts a membership of over 800 staffing organizations, offering you countless networking opportunities. Members can also earn the Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) credential, which NAPS touts as comprehensive and widely recognized, as well as the Certified Temporary Staffing-Specialist (CTS) credential.
For those who enjoy short informational sessions, Power NAPS leverages the lunch-and-learn format to connect members with information and training opportunities. The community blog can also be a viable resource for staying up to date on the latest in staffing.
7. National Association for Health Care Recruitment
One of the more prominent healthcare staffing associations, the National Association for Health Care Recruitment, offers credentialing, webinars, advice and insights, and networking opportunities to healthcare staffing agencies and individual professionals. Members can also pursue the Certified Health Care Recruiter (CHCR) Credential, which recognizes awardees dedicated to improving the industry.
Membership costs vary by type, and members can interact with the organization and one another through several in-person and virtual events. For example, NAHCR hosts an annual conference every July, and you can tune in to regular podcasts. Applications for the NAHCR Rising Star Scholarship also open in January and allow recipients to attend the NAHCR Annual Conference and stay at the host hotel for free.
8. Regional Staffing Groups
While joining national staffing associations can provide significant benefits, regional staffing groups help you connect with similar resources available to you locally. A regional staffing group typically operates within a specific metro area or even state, depending on its reach. The benefits of joining these groups typically mirror those of national staffing associations, although membership in a local staffing group can carry more weight with customers in the immediate area.
To find staffing groups near you, search for “staffing association in [your location],” such as “staffing association in Texas” or “staffing association in New England.” Larger staffing industry associations also maintain directories that can help you locate staffing associations in your area. For instance, the American Staffing Association’s directory allows you to search according to multiple parameters, including state, city, zip code, and geographical area.
In-Summary: Staffing Agency Associations
Joining a staffing association is not about checking a box. It is about putting yourself in a better position to grow. Once you’ve become a member, you should take advantages of everything the association has to offer and start networking.
The right association can give you access to people who have already solved the problems you are working through. It can also keep you informed as the industry shifts, which is just as important as landing new clients.
However, you should not join all of these organizations at once. Start with one that aligns with your niche or goals, get involved, and make use of what you are paying for. From there, you can expand into other groups if it makes sense.
At the end of the day, staffing is still a relationship-driven business. Associations simply make it easier to build the right ones.