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Manufacturers' Outsourcing to Staffing Services

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  • Matthew Dey
  • Susan N. Houseman
  • Anne E. Polivka

Abstract

The authors estimate the effects of U.S. manufacturers' use of staffing services on measured employment and labor productivity between 1989 and 2009. Using time series data constructed from the Occupational Employment Statistics program, they document the dramatic increase in manufacturers' use of staffing services to fill core production occupations and to adjust employment levels during recessions. In 2006, just before the recent recession, staffing services added an estimated 9.2% to manufacturing employment, compared with only 2.3% in 1989. Outsourcing to staffing services significantly dampened measured employment volatility and inflated the growth and volatility of measured labor productivity in manufacturing.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Dey & Susan N. Houseman & Anne E. Polivka, 2012. "Manufacturers' Outsourcing to Staffing Services," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 65(3), pages 533-559, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ilrrev:v:65:y:2012:i:3:p:533-559
    DOI: 10.1177/001979391206500303
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Faberman, R. Jason, 2017. "Job flows, jobless recoveries, and the Great Moderation," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 152-170.
    2. Muhammad Faisol Chowdhury & Tasnim Rezoana Tanim, 2016. "Industrial Accidents in Bangladesh Apparel Manufacturing Sector: An Analysis of the Two Most Deadliest Accidents In History," Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Management Studies, Asian Online Journal Publishing Group, vol. 3(2), pages 115-126.
    3. Sarah Hamersma & Carolyn Heinrich & Peter Mueser, 2014. "Temporary Help Work: Earnings, Wages, and Multiple Job Holding," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 53(1), pages 72-100, January.

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