The Ongoing Challenge of Finding the Right Talent

Staffing agencies have been around for over a century, helping businesses find workers as industries grow. In the late 1800s, early employment agencies supported industrial hiring. By the mid-1900s, staffing became more organized, offering flexible hiring solutions—a need that remains just as important today.

With about 10 years in recruitment, I’ve seen firsthand how tough it can be for companies to attract and retain the right talent. That’s exactly why I do what I do.

Research backs this up: Josh Bersin found that about 74% of companies struggle with recruiting, and a Gartner report shows that 36% of HR leaders can’t find the skills they need. Many businesses face inefficient hiring processes, limited access to top candidates, and misaligned recruitment strategies. But with the right approach, hiring success is possible.

That’s where staffing agencies come in. They handle a high volume of job postings and play a key role in connecting companies with the right talent. As of 2024, there are nearly 26,000 staffing agencies in the U.S. (Source: altLINE by The Southern Bank Company), showing just how essential this industry has become.

A Long-Standing Industry

Staffing support isn’t a new concept, though. It’s been around for over a century! Early employment agencies emerged in the late 1800s to help businesses find workers. By the mid-20th century, staffing firms took on a more structured role, offering companies flexible hiring solutions.

Key Milestones in Staffing History

• Late 1800s - Early 1900s: Early employment agencies support industrial hiring.
• 1940s: WWII increases demand for temporary workers, expanding staffing firms.
• 1946: Kelly Services is founded, pioneering modern temp staffing.
• 1948: Manpower Inc. is founded, growing workforce solutions.
• 1960s-1970s: Staffing expands into industrial, administrative, and technical roles.
• 1980s-1990s: Growth in professional sectors like IT, healthcare, and executive search.
• 2000s-Present: Rise of specialized staffing, online hiring platforms, and digital recruitment.

The demand for hiring expertise has only grown over time. Whether refining internal strategies or partnering with external recruiters, businesses that invest in the right approach to talent acquisition set themselves up for long-term success.

While hiring has long been a challenge, it doesn’t have to be.

Let's connect: klewis@tecgroup.biz

I specialize in sourcing and pre-vetting top passive candidates for roles in sales, marketing, operations, HR, project management, and the C-suite.