While 39% plan to hire full time workers in the next year, 21% expect to increase the percentage of contract or temp workers that they employ.

FORBES: Would You, And Your Company, Be Happier If You Quit Your Job?

Both Microsoft and the law firm agree that the company has curtailed such hiring practices, hiring 3, 000 former temp workers as full-time employees in the past year alone.

FORBES: Focus On The Forbes 500s: Microsoft Temps

Manpower, America's largest temp agency, experienced flat sales in the fourth quarter of last year, down from 7% growth year-on-year in the third quarter, as demand from manufacturers plummeted.

ECONOMIST: To cut or not to cut