A recent ERE Media column suggests evidence continues to point towards temp hiring becoming the new normal for the labor force across the country.

The publication, citing director of macroeconomic research for The Conference Board Gad Levanon, notes that the substantial growth in temporary workers in recent months is a positive sign for the economy as a whole.

The 32 percent growth in jobs secured through temp agencies in Phoenix and other cities across the U.S. since June 2009 would typically indicate an imminent recovery for full-time positions. However, ERE notes in this case, the surge likely marks a structural shift in how employers are managing their workforces.

A report released by BMO Capital Markets earlier this year noted that the staffing industry "is seeing some secular growth as corporations use temporary staffing more strategically as part of their overall human resource policies."

Recent numbers from the American Staffing Association indicate staffing employment grew 4 percent between January 2011 and this month, according to Staffing Industry Analysts.