Staffing Agency Planning for 2026: 5 Key Steps to Start Now

As 2025 draws to a close, many staffing agencies are focused on wrapping up the year. But the most successful agencies know that fall isn’t just about wrapping up Q4 - it’s the critical window to plan for the year ahead.

Research shows that companies that begin planning 4–6 months before the new year are more likely to hit their goals. For staffing agencies, that means the time to prepare for 2026 is now.

Here are five research-backed steps staffing agencies should take to prepare for 2026:

1. Review 2025 Performance Metrics

Look beyond revenue and placements.

Which clients drove the best margins?
Where did fill rates drop? Did time-to-hire improve?
Which verticals grew vs. underperformed

Agencies that evaluate these KPIs in Q3 and Q4 - rather than waiting until December - can spot patterns and make changes before 2026 begins.

2. Anticipate Shifts in Client Demand

Many clients finalize their staffing budgets in Q4. Agencies that align with these cycles are better positioned to secure headcount allocations.

Industries like healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and retail continue to face unpredictable labor needs. Forecasting client demand this fall helps you build the right pipelines for 2026.

Reach out to your clients and get on their calendars before year end or early in the new year, to gain an understanding of the skills, and volume they anticipate, as well as the volume requirements. This will look good in the eyes of the client, as you are trying to ensure your bench of talent is prepared specifically for their needs.

3. Strengthen Candidate Engagement

Candidate expectations evolve quickly, and agencies that adapt first usually win. Workers want faster communication, transparent pay, and seamless onboarding.

By improving your candidate experience now, your agency will attract and place more talent, reduce no-shows and turnover at client sites - giving you a competitive edge in 2026.

The market is jammed with excellent worker communication tools that can be easily integrated into your operations.

4. Upgrade Your Staffing Agency Technology

Technology investments may take months to evaluate and implement. If you wait until January, you risk falling behind. Especially if you want everything in place before your peak season starts!

A Vendor Management System (VMS) can help staffing agencies:

Start a new line of business
Improve account stickiness and longevity
Deliver real value to your customers
Automate invoicing and compliance tracking
Centralize vendor and client management
Deliver transparent, real-time reporting
Expand services with a white-label VMS option

Not all Vendor Management Systems are alike. With a modern VMS technology like Conexis VMS, you can be up and running in a few weeks - not months - compared to Legacy VMS. So your agency can start 2026 stronger, not playing catch-up.

5. Set Clear Growth and Profitability Goals

Instead of setting vague goals to “grow,” define measurable outcomes:

Increase placements by 20%
Reduce average markup by 1% to improve competitiveness in a tight market
Add a new VMS line of business by partnering with a VMS that can white label
Improve profit margins by reducing delivery costs

Research shows agencies that finalize budgets and goals before year-end are better at executing growth strategies in January. If you want to learn more about identifying the Key Performance Metrics (KPIs) for Contingent Workforce, see our blog 4 KPIs for Your Contingent Workforce

Final Thoughts

Planning for 2026 should start now - not in January. By analyzing performance, forecasting demand, improving candidate engagement, and upgrading your technology this fall, your staffing agency will be positioned for success in the year ahead.

If technology is part of your 2026 growth strategy, Conexis VMS can help. Our vendor management system was designed to help staffing agencies improve efficiency, cut costs, and deliver greater value to clients, and with our white-label VMS - grow your revenue.

Take the Next Step

Whether you’re looking to switch your VMS or are just exploring technology options, we’re here to help.

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