When Execs Go Temp

The big question is whether temporary staffing might further delay or dampen the long-awaited boom in permanent, full-time jobs. The overall March payroll numbers in the U.S.--308,000 jobs gained since February--were encouraging, but temporary staffing so far has shown few signs of slowing. This year the industry may even exceed its record-high average daily employment of 2.54 million in 2000, according to a report by the American Staffing Association, to be released next month. "Using these flexible staffing models in certain parts of your business--it makes too much sense not to do it," says Bill McVail, a business-services analyst with Turner Investment Partners. "Will that to some extent have an effect on the eventual bounce-back? It could." So while the next job boom may be just around the corner, it also might be temporary--in more ways than one.

--With reporting by Esther Chapman/Omaha, Avery Holton/Austin, Kathleen Johnston/Indianapolis and Constance E. Richards/Asheville