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Staffing agencies help businesses recruit qualified candidates and manage payroll. By outsourcing these elements of your operations, you can allocate your team’s time and resources to other tasks, and avoid hiring an internal expert. But finding the right provider can be challenging, especially with so many options.

Using my experience with HR management software and services, I evaluated and compared several of the top staffing agencies available. From there, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best provider for your needs.

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Best Staffing Agencies Summary

Tools Price
Kforce Pricing upon request
Adecco Pricing upon request
Insight Global Pricing upon request
Randstad Pricing upon request
Artisan Talent Pricing upon request
Magnum Hunt Pricing upon request
Michael Page Pricing upon request
CLEK Staffing Services Pricing upon request
Manpower Pricing upon request
Spherion Pricing upon request
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How to Choose a Staffing Agencies Provider

It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
Business ObjectivesAlign the agency's services with your specific goals. Ensure they understand your industry needs and can provide the right talent.
Service Scope and SLAsCheck the range of services and service-level agreements. Make sure their offerings cover your requirements and include clear performance metrics.
Support AvailabilityConsider if they offer 24/7 customer support. Check for timely assistance for any issue or query your team might encounter.
Costs and Pricing StructureEvaluate their pricing models. Look for transparency in costs, and ensure it fits your budget without hidden fees.
Communication and ReportingOpt for agencies with clear communication channels. Regular updates and detailed reports on recruitment progress are essential for your planning.
Geographic ReachEnsure they can recruit in your desired locations, especially if you have multiple or international offices.
Industry ExpertiseLook for agencies with experience in your industry. They should understand the specific skills and qualifications needed for your roles.
Reputation and ReviewsCheck reviews and testimonials. A good reputation can be a strong indicator of reliability and quality service.

Best Staffing Agencies Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best staffing agencies in my list. My reviews look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one.

Best for finance roles

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Kforce has over 60 years of experience connecting highly qualified finance professionals with leading companies, including many of the Fortune 500. The agency provides tailored staffing solutions, such as contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire positions to meet business needs. 

Why I picked Kforce: Kforce focuses on finance and accounting roles, ensuring you’ll get candidates who understand the specific demands of these fields. The agency offers flexible hiring options, allowing you to fill temporary positions during peak times or secure full-time talent for ongoing financial functions. It also leverages technology to streamline the hiring process, making it more efficient for your team. 

Standout Services: Kforce’s consulting services allow you to leverage expert advice to tackle business challenges, ensuring your team makes informed decisions. Plus, with project solutions, you can manage complex projects with ease, utilizing their skilled professionals to meet deadlines and achieve goals.

Target Industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, government, and retail.

Specialties: IT staffing, finance roles, consulting services, project solutions, and temporary placements.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers career development resources
  • Utilizes advanced recruitment technology
  • Provides industry-specific expertise

Cons:

  • Less control over candidate management
  • Limited niche specialization

Best for temporary staffing

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Adecco offers temporary workforce solutions across various industries, including automotive, retail, and manufacturing. The agency provides flexible staffing options to meet diverse business needs, including recruitment, onboarding, payroll, and administration. 

Why I picked Adecco: Adecco’s extensive candidate network lets you quickly find skilled workers for temporary roles, such as seasonal peaks or special projects. It uses advanced analytics to match candidates with employers and manages key hiring tasks like recruitment, onboarding, and payroll. Additionally, Adecco offers free upskilling courses to enhance workforce capabilities through its Aspire Academy. 

Standout Services: Adecco’s onsite management service allows you to manage temporary staff directly at your location, ensuring efficient operations. You can also outsource your contingent workforce management with managed service provider options, reducing administrative burdens.

Target Industries: Automotive, healthcare, logistics, technology, and finance.

Specialties: Temporary staffing, permanent recruitment, onsite management, managed service provider options, and upskilling courses.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Onsite management services
  • Analytics-driven insights
  • Diverse industry coverage

Cons:

  • Limited contract flexibility
  • Limited focus on niche roles

Best for tech positions

  • Pricing upon request

Insight Global places over 25,000 IT professionals annually across various industries, making them a leading staffing agency for IT recruitment. Its dedicated recruiter team connects businesses with top-tier tech talents for contract, contract-to-permanent, and permanent positions. 

Why I picked Insight Global: Insight Global specializes in tech positions, providing access to a network of technical-skilled candidates. The agency sources talent for contract, temp-to-hire, and permanent positions to adapt to your project timelines. It also emphasizes understanding specific needs to deliver tailored solutions and is highly committed to quality and efficiency. 

Standout Services: Insight Global’s managed services allow your team to focus on core business functions while they handle the recruitment and management of your contingent workforce. Plus, with project-based staffing, you can quickly scale your workforce to meet project demands, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met efficiently.

Target Industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, government, and telecommunications.

Specialties: IT staffing, finance roles, managed services, project-based staffing, and contingent workforce solutions.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Career development resources
  • Advanced candidate screening
  • Utilizes advanced recruitment technology

Cons:

  • High competition for tech roles
  • Limited entry-level opportunities

Best for administrative support

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Randstad serves businesses seeking skilled administrative professionals. The agency offers flexible temporary and permanent hiring options to help organizations manage talents during cycle fluctuations or short-term projects. 

Why I picked Randstad: Randstad provides a range of staffing options, allowing you to quickly fill temporary or ongoing support roles as needed, especially administrative support staffing. The agency’s team has an extensive database and screens candidates for skills like organization and communication. Additionally, their technology-driven approach simplifies the recruitment process. 

Standout Services: Randstad’s onsite services offer tailored staffing solutions that meet your business needs, ensuring efficient workforce management. Plus, with career transition and outplacement services, your team can navigate changes smoothly, maintaining productivity and morale during transitions.

Target Industries: Finance, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, and logistics.

Specialties: Administrative support, temporary staffing, permanent recruitment, contract staffing, and career transition.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Employee training programs
  • Dedicated account managers
  • Advanced recruitment technology

Cons:

  • Limited customization in services
  • Limited flexibility in contracts

Best for creative jobs

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Artisan Talent excels in digital, marketing, AI, and creative fields. The agency is composed of creatives who understand the industry and have established a powerful network and reputation for delivering high-quality placements for creative roles. 

Why I picked Artisan Talent: The Artisan Talent team are creative industry experts, allowing them to quickly identify the skills that fit your project needs. The agency offers access to a curated network of candidates for roles like graphic designers, copywriters, and digital marketers. With their local expertise and national reach, Artisan Talent helps businesses meet their unique needs in a timely manner with the right talent. 

Standout Services: Artisan Talent’s career and hiring advice blog provides valuable insights for job seekers and employers, helping you navigate the hiring process. Plus, with strategic guidance, they adapt to the evolving creative landscape, ensuring your team has the skills needed for success.

Target Industries: Digital, marketing, AI, creative, and entertainment.

Specialties: Digital roles, marketing positions, AI jobs, creative talent, and diversity inclusion.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides career advice
  • Offers freelance opportunities
  • Personalized talent matching

Cons:

  • Primarily U.S-based
  • Selective client base

Best for IT recruitment

  • Pricing upon request

Magnum Hunt focuses on connecting organizations with highly qualified technology, healthcare, and engineering professionals. The agency’s commitment to understanding client requirements and delivering top-tier talent makes it a preferred agency for IT recruitment. 

Why I picked Magnum Hunt: Magnum Hunt excels in IT recruitment, offering specialized solutions for companies needing technical skills. It offers flexible hiring options to adapt to your project timelines and defines position requirements to find the right fit. Overall, the agency emphasizes building relationships, and ensuring clients and candidates benefit from their services. 

Standout Services: Magnum Hunt’s contractual staffing service allows your team to access skilled professionals for short-term projects, ensuring flexibility in workforce management. Additionally, with direct placements, you can secure top talent for permanent roles, reducing recruitment time and effort.

Target Industries: Technology, healthcare, engineering, sales and marketing, and supply chain and logistics.

Specialties: IT recruitment, contractual staffing, direct placements, permanent recruitment, and candidate preparation.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customized candidate screening
  • Supports remote placements
  • Offers contract and permanent placements

Cons:

  • Focuses primarily on IT roles
  • Limited to North American market

Best for industry experts

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Michael Page operates in 37 markets, leveraging extensive industry expertise and advanced market insights to connect businesses with top-tier talent. The agency’s specialized consultants ensure an understanding of client needs and candidate capabilities. 

Why I picked Michael Page: Michael Page’s consultants have firsthand experience in the industries they serve, ensuring you’ll get tailored recruitment solutions with candidates who fit your technical requirements. It offers flexible hiring options for short-term projects or long-term positions. They also guarantee candidates are matched to roles where they can impact the industry. 

Standout Services: Michael Page’s executive search service helps you find top-level executives who can drive your business forward, addressing leadership gaps effectively. Plus, with talent sourcing, you gain access to a diverse and qualified candidate pool, ensuring you have the best options for your roles.

Target Industries: Finance, technology, healthcare, engineering, and legal.

Specialties: Permanent recruitment, contract staffing, temporary positions, executive search, and talent sourcing.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Proactive candidate sourcing
  • Diverse role placements
  • Comprehensive market insights

Cons:

  • Less focus on soft skills
  • Limited focus on entry-level roles

Best for manufacturing roles

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

CLEK Staffing Services is a locally owned and operative full-service staffing firm based in Ontario, Canada. It specializes in industrial, warehouse, and skilled trades positions and offers temporary staffing solutions. 

Why I picked CLEK Staffing Services: CLEK Staffing Services specializes in finding skilled manufacturing talent familiar with industrial work demands. The agency offers flexible staffing options to help you adjust your workforce during peak production times or on specific projects. It also supports clients on industry-specific staffing challenges, ensuring that your operations maintain productivity and efficiency.

Standout Services: CLEK Staffing Services offers manufacturing role placement to fill specialized positions within your company culture, supporting critical operational functions without delays. They also provide workforce management support to help your team navigate ongoing staffing needs efficiently, ensuring smooth operations and continuity.

Target Industries: Manufacturing, production, industrial, logistics, and warehousing.

Specialties: Skilled labor, production line staffing, shift management, quality control roles, and maintenance support.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Skilled trades focus
  • Direct hire options
  • Good response times for hiring needs

Cons:

  • Limited training for temp workers
  • Limited online presence

Best for global reach

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Manpower specializes in contingent staffing and permanent recruitment with a strong global reach and a deep understanding of local talent markets. Its services include direct hire, flexible staffing, and onsite management, tailored to organizational needs. 

Why I picked Manpower: Manpower has an extensive network in over 75 countries, providing extensive reach for businesses looking to hire internationally. It also has strong local expertise, understands regional labor markets, and is committed to diversity and inclusion through programs targeting underrepresented populations. Additionally, the agency’s My Manpower app enhances user experience and helps to streamline the recruitment processes. 

Standout Services: Manpower’s online training courses help you upskill your team, making sure they have the necessary skills for the job market. Plus, the My Manpower app provides easy access to job listings and career guidance, simplifying the job search process for candidates.

Target Industries: Finance, logistics, manufacturing, engineering, and transportation.

Specialties: Contingent workforce management, diversity and inclusion, career guidance, skilled technical roles, and workforce solutions.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Proactive talent pipelining
  • Advanced recruitment technology
  • Comprehensive training programs

Cons:

  • Limited customization in services
  • Limited niche specialization

Best for local staffing

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Spherion serves local businesses looking for reliable staffing solutions in the administrative and professional sectors. The agency has an advanced understanding of regional job markets and community needs. 

Why I picked Spherion: Spherion recruiters work closely with local talent, providing you access to pre-screened individuals who can instantly start. The agency’s focus on local staffing ensures you get personalized service tailored to your needs. Additionally, its expertise in managing temporary and temp-to-hire positions helps you maintain flexibility in workforce planning. 

Standout Services: Spherion’s workforce solutions provide customized staffing strategies, allowing you to meet your unique business demands effectively. Plus, with onsite management, you get dedicated support at your location, ensuring operational efficiency and immediate response to staffing needs.

Target Industries: Manufacturing, administrative, customer service, logistics, and healthcare.

Specialties: Temporary staffing, temp-to-hire positions, direct hire, workforce solutions, and onsite management.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Flexible staffing options
  • Personalized candidate matching
  • Local market expertise

Cons:

  • Limited follow-up post-placement
  • Limited national reach

Other Staffing Agencies

Here are some additional staffing recruiting agencies that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Tiger Recruitment

    For executive roles

  2. Elite Staffing

    For light industrial jobs

  3. Globalization Partners

    For global expansion support

  4. Vaco

    For executive search services

  5. Envinex

    For tech industry staffing

  6. Gateway Staffing

    For small business recruitment

What Are Staffing Agencies?

Staffing agencies are companies that connect job seekers with employers for temporary or permanent positions. They might offer things like:

  • Sourcing and screening candidates
  • Managing payroll and benefits
  • Providing temporary staffing
  • Conducting background checks
  • Offering recruitment consulting

Businesses across various industries, especially those with fluctuating staffing needs or specialized roles. seek out employment agencies for additional hiring support. They address challenges like finding qualified candidates quickly for new jobs and managing workforce flexibility.

Staffing Agencies Selection Criteria

When selecting the best staffing companies to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points providers address. This included things like reducing hiring time and managing seasonal workforce fluctuations. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:

  • Candidate sourcing and screening
  • Temporary and permanent staffing
  • Payroll management
  • Compliance and background checks
  • Recruitment consulting

Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:

  • Specialized industry expertise
  • Onsite management solutions
  • Workforce analytics and reporting
  • Diversity hiring programs
  • Career development and training

Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:

  • Years in operation
  • Number of industries served
  • Client portfolio diversity
  • Staff expertise and credentials
  • Market reputation

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:

  • Simplicity of initial setup
  • Speed of onboarding process
  • Availability of training materials
  • Clarity of onboarding steps
  • Support during the onboarding phase

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:

  • Availability of support channels
  • Responsiveness to inquiries
  • Quality of support provided
  • Availability of dedicated account managers
  • Client feedback on support experience

Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:

  • Transparency of pricing structure
  • Comparison with industry averages
  • Flexibility of pricing plans
  • Cost-effectiveness for services provided
  • Discounts or incentives offered

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Commonly mentioned strengths
  • Areas for improvement
  • Frequency of positive vs. negative reviews
  • Specific feedback on service quality

Staffing Agencies Key Services

When selecting a staffing agency, keep an eye out for the following key services:

  • Candidate Sourcing and Screening: Identifying and evaluating potential candidates to ensure they meet your specific role requirements.
  • Temporary and Permanent Staffing: Providing flexible solutions for part-time or long-term employment needs.
  • Payroll Management: Handling payroll processing, tax compliance, and benefits administration for your staff.
  • Compliance and Background Checks: Ensuring candidates meet all legal and company-specific requirements through thorough checks.
  • Onsite Management: Offering dedicated staffing support directly at your location to streamline workforce operations.
  • Recruitment Consulting: Providing expert advice and strategies to enhance your hiring process and outcomes.
  • Workforce Analytics and Reporting: Utilizing data to optimize workforce planning and improve hiring decisions.
  • Diversity Hiring Programs: Implementing initiatives to ensure a diverse and inclusive hiring process.
  • Career Development and Training: Offering resources and training to support employee growth and skill development.
  • Executive Search: Identifying and recruiting top-level executives to lead and grow your organization.

Benefits of Staffing Agencies

Partnering with a staffing agency benefits your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Quick Hiring: Access a pool of pre-screened candidates, reducing the time it takes to fill open positions.
  • Cost Savings: Save on recruitment expenses by outsourcing hiring functions like sourcing and screening.
  • Flexibility: Adjust your workforce as needed with temporary and permanent staffing solutions.
  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from recruitment consulting to improve your hiring strategies and outcomes.
  • Diverse Workforce: Implement diversity hiring programs to ensure inclusive hiring practices.
  • Focus on Core Tasks: Offload payroll management and compliance checks to focus more on your business's core functions.
  • Enhanced Workforce Planning: Use workforce analytics and reporting to make data-driven decisions about your staffing needs.

Costs and Pricing Structures of Staffing Agencies

Staffing agencies typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:

  • Percentage of Salary: Charges a fee based on a percentage of the hired employee's salary.
  • Flat Fee: Offers a set fee for specific staffing services, regardless of the salary.
  • Hourly Rate: Bills based on the number of hours dedicated to a staffing project.
  • Retainer Model: Requires an upfront fee to secure ongoing recruitment services.
  • Project-Based: Charges according to the scope and duration of a specific staffing project.

Key Factors That Influence Staffing Agencies Pricing

Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of staffing agencies:

  • Customization Level: Tailoring services to specific business needs can increase costs due to additional resources required.
  • Industry Regulations: Compliance with specific industry standards or regulations may affect pricing due to legal and administrative requirements.
  • Employee Volume: The number of employees or positions you need to fill can impact the overall cost, as more resources might be necessary.
  • Geographic Location: Costs can vary based on the location of the staffing needs, as certain regions may have higher operational expenses.
  • Urgency of Need: Expedited hiring timelines may incur additional charges due to the fast-tracking of resources and processes.

Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.

Staffing Agencies: FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about staffing agencies:

How do staffing agencies find qualified candidates?

Staffing agencies have extensive networks and databases of job seekers. They use various methods, such as job boards, social media, and referrals to source candidates. Agencies also have experienced recruiters who screen and interview candidates to ensure they meet specific job requirements. This process helps them find the most suitable candidates for your needs.

What types of positions can staffing agencies fill?

Staffing agencies can fill various positions, from entry-level to executive roles. They often specialize in specific industries, like IT, healthcare, or finance, which allows them to provide candidates with the relevant skills and experience. Agencies can also provide temporary, temp-to-hire, and permanent staffing solutions to match your hiring needs.

How long does it take for a staffing agency to fill a position?

The time it takes to fill a position can vary depending on the role’s complexity and the agency’s resources. Simple positions might be filled within days, while more specialized roles could take weeks. Agencies work to fill positions as quickly as possible, using their networks to find qualified candidates efficiently.

Are staffing agencies cost-effective for small businesses?

Staffing agencies can be cost-effective for small businesses by reducing the time and resources spent on recruitment. They handle the hiring process, allowing your team to focus on core business activities. While there is a cost associated with their services, the efficiency and quality of candidates can provide significant value.

How do staffing agencies handle payroll and benefits?

Agencies typically manage payroll and benefits for temporary or contract workers they place. They handle tax withholdings, benefits administration, and labor law compliance. This service relieves your business from the administrative burden and ensures workers are paid accurately and on time.

Can a staffing agency help with workforce planning?

Yes, many staffing agencies offer workforce planning services. They use analytics and industry insights to help you determine staffing needs and plan for future hiring. This can include assessing current workforce capabilities and identifying gaps to ensure you have the right talent to meet your business objectives.

What’s Next? 

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Faye Wai
By Faye Wai

Faye Wai is a HR Technology Analyst and contributor to People Managing People, with a background in branding, public relations, and content marketing. She has vet vendors as an end-user in both consultancy and in-house capacities, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the people operations sector.