A 40-Year-Old Ad For Temps That’s As Sexist As It Is Wildly Revealing About Today

This ad was put out by Kelly Services, a temporary staffing agency, in 1971.

Let’s, for a moment, bypass the creepy, “Mad Men”-esque vibes here and focus on some of the words. The basic proposition here is that temp workers are better than full-time staffers because a) they’re cheaper and b) they’re completely expendable.


This is a message that hasn’t been lost on corporate America, which has been hiring temp workers at record rates since the 2007-2009 recession. And this 40-year-old premise hasn’t changed either — it’s way easier to exploit someone when they’ve got no leverage.

Clarification: A (surprising) number of you in the comments section seem to have worked for Kelly Staffing Services and had positive experiences. My intention isn’t to comment on the company at all — just this ad and the premise behind it, which still applies to how many companies think about and treat temporary workers.

Nature

Teeny tiny bat found 100 miles from home in Nebraska office, takes most adorable photoshoot

Culture

32 fascinating jobs The Greatest Generation, Silent Generation and Baby Boomers did that shaped America today

Pop Culture

Want free concert tickets? EARNT has a simple idea: Volunteer for them.

People Skills

Want to be more likable? Here’s the type of question to avoid and the one to always ask.