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:
Look beyond revenue and placements.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Instead of setting vague goals to “grow,” define measurable outcomes:
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
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.
Whether you’re looking to switch your VMS or are just exploring technology options, we’re here to help.
Download a copy of our Free Staffing Agency Revenue Growth Guide
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Discover why top staffing firms choose Conexis as their modern VMS partner - built for scalability, simplicity, and growth.
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VMS for Staffing Agencies Guide | Why Staffing Agencies Choose Conexis