manpower

The U.S. economy has suddenly shifted into a higher gear, and "help wanted" signs are popping up at many more companies. That's great news for the whole staffing industry, but these four firms could benefit more than most.

The nation's employers are slowly becoming more positive about the economy, with a greater number of businesses planning to add jobs in the second quarter and fewer planning layoffs, according to a new survey released Tuesday by Manpower. Among the more than 18,000 employers polled in its latest survey, Milwaukee-based Manpower found 16% of companies expect to increase staff levels during the three-month period that begins April 1, up from 14% during the first quarter. Meanwhile, just 6% of employers expect to lay off workers, a decline from 10% during the first three months of the year.

The outlook for the U.S. job market has improved, with more employers planning to take on new staff in the first quarter of 2011 and fewer planning cuts, according to a survey by staffing agency Manpower (MAN). U.S. hiring plans are improved from three months ago and one year ago, Manpower said...

In today's economy, the mantra seems to be: "Do more with less." But workers are hardly thrilled. And managers say that the negative attitudes, which are resulting in criticism and lack of teamwork, are contributing to reduced productivity.

In the U.S., 52% of companies report problems attracting critical-skill employees. And some of the hottest jobs over the next 10 to 15 years require tech skills that most people aren't learning. Here's what some workers and companies are doing about it.

The sector specializing in short-term and freelance jobs has taken on a split personality of sorts. Demand for contractors is ticking upward, but pay rates are going the other way.

Here's news from the business world and other money matters to watch out for Thursday (last updated at 7:30 a.m. Eastern time): Americans Owe Less Credit-Card Debt: Skittish consumers reduced their credit-card indebtedness sharply in the second quarter, credit-rating company TransUnion reported...

Here's news from the business world and other money matters to watch out for Wednesday (last updated at 7:56 a.m. Eastern time): Wal-Mart Quietly Raises Prices: Consumers who think prices at their local Walmart have been on the rise lately may not be imagining things. A JPMorgan Chase (JPM) study...

The following is a round-up of news likely to affect stock prices today: In its latest forecast of worldwide hiring, Manpower (MAN) said Tuesday survey results show "employer optimism in the global labor market is gradually improving." Employers in 30 of 36 countries indicated stronger hiring...

Investors should ignore the broader jobs debate and hone in on one aspect that seems indisputably strong: the pickup in temp hiring. And more hiring in that area could be good for Manpower and Robert Half International.