BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES INC
10-K, 1999-03-31
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                             ----------------------
                                    Form 10-K
                                 ---------------
            X    Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
           ---         The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                   For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
                         Commission File Number 0-21886

                         BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                    Maryland                          52-0812977
         (State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer
         incorporation or organization)           Identification No.)

             4724 SW Macadam Avenue
                Portland, Oregon                        97201
    (Address of principal executive offices)          (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (503) 220-0988

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                     Common Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share

                                (Title of class)

         Indicate  by check  mark  whether  the  Registrant:  (1) has  filed all
reports  required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter  period that the
registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  X   No
                                              ---     ---
         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers  pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained  herein,  and will not be contained,
to the best of  registrant's  knowledge,  in  definitive  proxy  or  information
statements  incorporated  by  reference  in Part  III of this  Form  10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.  X
                             ---
         State  the  aggregate   market  value  of  the  voting  stock  held  by
non-affiliates of the Registrant: $33,077,380 at February 26, 1999.

         Indicate the number of shares  outstanding of each of the  Registrant's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

             Class                           Outstanding at February 26, 1999
             -----                           --------------------------------
Common Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share              7,679,456 Shares

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         Portions of the definitive  Proxy Statement for the 1999 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders are hereby incorporated by reference into Part III of Form 10-K.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

                              BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
                              1998 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
                                     TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                       Page
                                                                       ----
                                     PART I

Item 1.     Business                                                      2

Item 2.     Properties                                                   12

Item 3.     Legal Proceedings                                            12

Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders          12
f
            Executive Officers of the Registrant                         13

                                 PART II

Item 5.     Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
            Stockholder Matters                                          14

Item 6.     Selected Financial Data                                      15

Item 7.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
            Condition and Results of Operations                          16

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   23

Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                  23

Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants
            on Accounting and Financial Disclosure                       23

                                PART III

Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant           24

Item 11.    Executive Compensation                                       24

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
             Owners and Management                                       24

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions               24

                                 PART IV

Item 14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and
            Reports on Form 8-K                                          25

Signatures                                                               26

Financial Statements                                                    F-1

Exhibit Index


                                       1
<PAGE>




                                           PART I

ITEM 1.       BUSINESS
- ----------------------
GENERAL
         Barrett  Business  Services,  Inc.  ("Barrett" or the  "Company"),  was
incorporated  in the state of  Maryland  in 1965.  Barrett  is a  leading  human
resource  management  company.  The Company  provides  comprehensive  outsourced
solutions   addressing  the  costs  and   complexities   of  a  broad  array  of
employment-related  issues for businesses of all sizes. Employers are faced with
increasing  complexities in employment laws and regulations,  employee  benefits
and  administration,  federal,  state  and  local  payroll  tax  compliance  and
mandatory  workers'  compensation  coverage,  as  well  as the  recruitment  and
retention  of quality  employees.  The Company  believes  that  outsourcing  the
management of various  employer and human resource  responsibilities,  which are
typically considered non-core functions, enables organizations to focus on their
core competencies, thereby improving operating efficiencies.

         Barrett's range of services and expertise in human resource  management
encompasses five major  categories:  payroll  processing,  employee benefits and
administration,  workers' compensation coverage,  aggressive risk management and
workplace safety  programs,  and human resource  administration,  which includes
functions such as recruiting,  interviewing,  drug testing,  hiring,  placement,
training  and  regulatory  compliance.  These  services are  typically  provided
through a variety of contractual  arrangements,  as part of either a traditional
staffing  service  or a  professional  employer  organization  ("PEO")  service.
Staffing  services  include  on-demand  or  short-term   staffing   assignments,
long-term  or  indefinite-term  contract  staffing,  and  comprehensive  on-site
personnel management responsibilities.  In a PEO arrangement, the Company enters
into a  contract  to  become a  co-employer  of the  client  company's  existing
workforce  and  assumes  responsibility  for some or all of the  human  resource
management  responsibilities.  The Company's  target PEO clients  typically have
limited  resources  available to effectively  manage these matters.  The Company
believes  that its  ability  to offer  clients a broad mix of  staffing  and PEO
services differentiates it from its competitors and benefits its clients through
(i) lower  recruiting  and personnel  administration  costs,  (ii)  decreases in
payroll expenses due to lower workers'  compensation and health insurance costs,
(iii)  improvements  in  workplace  safety  and  employee  benefits,  (iv) lower
employee  turnover  and (v)  reductions  in  management  resources  expended  in
employment-related  regulatory compliance. For 1998, Barrett's staffing services
revenues represented 54.6% of total revenues, compared to 45.4% for PEO services
revenues.

         Barrett provides  services to a diverse array of customers,  including,
among others, electronics manufacturers, various light-manufacturing industries,
forest products and  agriculture-based  companies,  transportation  and shipping
enterprises,  food processing,  telecommunications,  public  utilities,  general
contractors  in numerous  construction-related  fields and various  professional
services  firms.   During  1998,  the  Company  provided  staffing  services  to
approximately  5,400  customers.  Although a majority of the Company's  staffing
customers are small to mid-sized businesses, during 1998 approximately 40 of the
Company's  customers  have each utilized  Barrett  employees in a number ranging
from at least  200  employees  to as many as  1,600  employees  through  various
staffing services arrangements.  In addition,  Barrett had approximately 612 PEO
clients at December 31, 1998,  compared to 654 at December 31, 1997. The decline
in the number of PEO clients in 1998 as compared to 1997  reflects the Company's
continued adherence to its safe-work policies and credit policies.

         The Company  operates through a network of 30 branch offices in Oregon,
California, Washington, Maryland, Idaho and Arizona. Barrett also has 22 smaller
recruiting  offices in its general  market areas under the direction of a branch
office.

                                       2
<PAGE>

OPERATING STRATEGIES 
         The  Company's  principal  operating  strategies  are to: (i) provide a
unique  and  efficient  blend of  staffing  and PEO  services,  (ii)  promote  a
decentralized and autonomous management philosophy and structure, (iii) leverage
zone and branch level economies of scale, (iv) motivate employees through wealth
sharing,  and (v) control  workers'  compensation  costs through  effective risk
management.

GROWTH STRATEGIES
         The Company's  principal  growth  strategies are to: (i) expand through
acquisitions of human resource-related businesses in new and existing geographic
markets,  (ii)  utilize a zone  management  structure to  strengthen  and expand
operations and (iii) enhance management information systems to support continued
growth and to improve customer services.

RECENT ACQUISITIONS
         On April 13, 1998, the Company acquired certain assets of BOLT Staffing
Service, Inc., a provider of staffing services located in Pocatello, Idaho. BOLT
Staffing had revenues of  approximately  $2.4 million  (unaudited)  for the year
ended  December  31,  1997.  The Company  paid  $675,000 in cash for the assets,
assumed a $6,000 office lease  liability and incurred  approximately  $18,000 in
acquisition related costs.

         On June 29, 1998, the Company  consummated its transaction with Western
Industrial Management,  Inc. ("WIMI") pursuant to a stock-for-stock  merger. The
transaction  qualified  as a  tax-free  merger and has been  accounted  for as a
pooling-of-interests. As a result of the merger, the former shareholders of WIMI
received a total of 894,642 shares of the Company's common stock, which included
10,497  shares  issued in exchange  for real  property  consisting  of an office
condominium  in  which  WIMI's  main  office  is  located.   A  dissenting  WIMI
shareholder received cash in the amount of $519,095, based on a value of $11.375
per share of Barrett's common stock. The Company also paid certain  professional
fees owed by WIMI in  connection  with the  transaction  totaling  approximately
$425,000.  WIMI was a privately-held  staffing services company headquartered in
San Bernardino,  California,  with 1997 revenues of approximately  $24.5 million
(unaudited).

         Subsequent to year end, effective January 1, 1999, the Company acquired
all of the outstanding common stock of Temporary Staffing Systems, Inc. ("TSS"),
a staffing  services company with eight branch offices in North Carolina and one
in South Carolina. The Company paid $2,000,000 in cash and issued a note payable
for $950,000 due January 31, 2000, payment of which is contingent upon a minimum
equity requirement for 1998 and certain financial performance criteria for 1999.
The  Company  also paid  $50,000  in cash for a  noncompete  agreement  with the
selling  shareholder.  TSS's  revenues  for the fiscal year ended March 29, 1998
were approximately $12.9 million (audited).

         Subsequent  to year end,  effective  February  15,  1999,  the  Company
acquired  certain  assets of TPM Staffing  Services,  Inc.  ("TPM"),  a staffing
services company with three offices in Southern California - Lake Forest,  Santa
Ana and Anaheim.  The Company paid  $1,200,000 in cash for the assets of TPM and
the  selling  shareholder's  noncompete  agreement,  of which  $240,000  will be
deferred for six months.  TPM's  revenues  for the year ended  December 31, 1998
were approximately $5.7 million (unaudited).

         The Company  reviews  acquisition  opportunities  on an ongoing  basis.
While growth  through  acquisition  is a major element of the Company's  overall
strategic   growth  plan,   there  can  be  no  assurance  that  any  additional
acquisitions  will be completed in the  foreseeable  future,  or that any future
acquisitions  will  have  a  positive  effect  on  the  Company's   performance.
Acquisitions  involve a number of potential  risks,  including  the diversion of
management's  attention to the  assimilation  of the operations and personnel of
the acquired  companies,  exposure to workers'  compensation  and other


                                       3
<PAGE>

costs in differing  regulatory  environments,  adverse short-term effects on the
Company's operating results,  integration of management  information systems and
the amortization of acquired intangible assets.

THE COMPANY'S SERVICES
         Overview of Services.  The Company offers a continuum of human resource
         --------------------
management  services to its clients.  While some  services  are more  frequently
associated with Barrett's co-employer  arrangements,  the Company's expertise in
such areas as safety services and  personnel-related  regulatory  compliance may
also be utilized by its staffing services  customers through the Company's human
resource management  services.  The Company's range of services and expertise in
human resource management encompasses five major categories:

      o       Payroll  Processing.  For  both  the  Company's  PEO and  staffing
              services employees,  the Company performs all functions associated
              with payroll  administration,  including  preparing and delivering
              paychecks,  computing  tax  withholding  and  payroll  deductions,
              handling  garnishments,  computing  vacation  and  sick  pay,  and
              preparing W-2 forms and  accounting  reports  through  centralized
              operations at its headquarters in Portland, Oregon.

      o       Employee  Benefits  and  Administration.  As a result of its size,
              Barrett is able to offer employee benefits which are not available
              at an affordable cost to many of its customers, particularly those
              with fewer than 100 employees.  These benefits include health care
              insurance,  a 401(k)  savings plan, a Section 125 cafeteria  plan,
              life  and  disability  insurance,   claims  administration  and  a
              nonqualified deferred compensation plan.

       o      Safety  Services.  Barrett  offers  safety  services  to both  its
              staffing  services and PEO customers in keeping with its corporate
              philosophy  of "making  the  workplace  safer." The Company has at
              least one risk manager  available at each branch office to perform
              workplace  safety  assessments  for each of its  customers  and to
              recommend  actions  to achieve  safer  operations.  The  Company's
              services  include  safety  training  and safety  manuals  for both
              workers   and   supervisors,   job-site   visits   and   meetings,
              improvements  in  workplace  procedures  and  equipment to further
              reduce  the risk of  injury,  compliance  with OSHA  requirements,
              environmental  regulations,  and workplace  regulation by the U.S.
              Department   of   Labor   and   state    agencies   and   accident
              investigations.   As  discussed   under   "Self-Insured   Workers'
              Compensation   Program"  below,   the  Company  also  pays  safety
              incentives to its customers who achieve  improvements in workplace
              safety.

        o     Workers' Compensation  Coverage.  Beginning in 1987, the Company
              acquired  self-insured  employer status for workers'  compensation
              coverage  in Oregon  and is  currently  a  qualified  self-insured
              employer in many of the state and federal  jurisdictions  in which
              it  operates.  Through  its  third-party  administrators,  Barrett
              provides  claims  management  services  to its PEO  customers.  As
              discussed  under  "Self-Insured   Workers'  Compensation  Program"
              below,  the  Company   aggressively  manages  job  injury  claims,
              including identifying fraudulent claims and utilizing its staffing
              services  to return  workers to active  employment  earlier.  As a
              result of its ability to manage workers'  compensation  costs, the
              Company  is often  able to reduce its  clients'  overall  expenses
              arising out of job-related injuries and insurance.

         o    Human  Resource  Administration.  Barrett  offers its  clients the
              opportunity    to   leverage   the    Company's    experience   in
              personnel-related  regulatory compliance. For both its PEO clients
              and for  staffing  services  employees,  the  Company  handles the
              burdens of advertising,  recruitment,  skills testing,  evaluating
              job  applications  and references,  drug  

                                       4
<PAGE>

              screening, criminal and motor vehicle records reviews, hiring, and
              compliance with such employment  regulatory  areas as immigration,
              the Americans with  Disabilities  Act, and federal and state labor
              regulations.

         Staffing  Services.  Barrett's  staffing  services include on-demand or
         ------------------
short-term staffing assignments, contract staffing, long-term or indefinite-term
on-site  management  and  human  resource  administration.  Short-term  staffing
involves employee demands caused by such factors as seasonality, fluctuations in
customer  demand,  vacations,  illnesses,  parental leave,  and special projects
without  incurring  the  ongoing  expense  and  administrative  responsibilities
associated with recruiting, hiring and retaining additional permanent employees.
As more and more companies focus on cost-cutting and reducing overhead,  the use
of employees on a  short-term  basis allows firms to utilize the  "just-in-time"
approach for their personnel needs,  thereby converting a portion of their fixed
personnel costs to a variable expense.

         Contract  staffing  refers to the  Company's  responsibilities  for the
placement of employees  for a period of more than three months or an  indefinite
period. This type of arrangement often involves outsourcing an entire department
in a large corporation or providing the work force for a large project.

         In an on-site  management  arrangement,  Barrett  places an experienced
manager on site at a customer's  place of business.  The manager is  responsible
for conducting all  recruiting,  screening,  interviewing,  testing,  hiring and
employee  placement  functions  at the  customer's  facility  for a long-term or
indefinite period.

         The Company's  staffing services  customers operate in a broad range of
businesses,   including   forest  products  and   agriculture-based   companies,
electronic   manufacturers,   transportation   and  shipping   companies,   food
processors,  professional  firms and  construction  contractors.  Such customers
range in size from small local firms to companies with international operations,
which use Barrett's services on a domestic basis. None of the Company's staffing
services  customers  individually  accounted for more than 10% of its total 1998
revenues.

         In 1998, light industrial  workers  generated  approximately 67% of the
Company's staffing services revenues,  while technical  personnel  accounted for
19% of such revenues and clerical  office staff  represented the balance of 14%.
Light industrial workers in the Company's employ perform such tasks as operation
of machinery, manufacturing,  loading and shipping, site preparation for special
events,  construction-site cleanup and janitorial services.  Technical personnel
include  electronic  parts  assembly  workers  and  designers  and  drafters  of
electronic parts.

         Barrett emphasizes prompt,  personalized  service in assigning quality,
trained,  drug-free  personnel at  competitive  rates to its  staffing  services
customers.  The Company uses internally developed computer databases of employee
skills and  availability  at each of its branches to match  customer  needs with
available  qualified  employees.  The Company  emphasizes the  development of an
understanding  of the  unique  requirements  of  its  clientele  by its  account
managers.  Customers are offered a "money-back"  guarantee if dissatisfied  with
staffing employees placed by Barrett.

         The Company utilizes a variety of methods to recruit its work force for
staffing  services,  including  among others,  referrals by existing  employees,
newspaper  advertising  and  marketing  brochures  distributed  at colleges  and
vocational  schools.  The employee  application  process  includes an interview,
skills  assessment  test,  reference   verification  and  drug  screening.   The
recruiting of qualified  employees  requires more effort when unemployment rates
are low.

         Barrett's  staffing services employees are not under its direct control
while  placed  at  a  customer's  worksite.  Barrett  has  not  experienced  any
significant  liability due to claims arising out of negligent acts or misconduct
by its staffing services employees.  The possibility exists,  however, of 


                                       5
<PAGE>

claims  being  asserted  against  the  Company  which may exceed  the  Company's
liability insurance coverage,  which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

         PEO Services. Many businesses, particularly those with a limited number
         ------------
of employees,  find personnel  administration  requirements to be unduly complex
and time  consuming.  These  businesses  often  cannot  justify the expense of a
full-time human resources staff. In addition, the escalating costs of health and
workers'  compensation  insurance in recent  years,  coupled with the  increased
complexity  of laws and  regulations  affecting  the  workplace,  have created a
compelling  motivation  for small to mid-sized  businesses  to  outsource  these
managerial  burdens.  The outsourcing of non-core  business  functions,  such as
human resource administration, enables small enterprises to devote their limited
resources to their core competencies.

         In a PEO services arrangement, Barrett enters into a contract to become
a  co-employer  of the client  company's  existing  workforce.  Pursuant to this
contract,  Barrett assumes  responsibility for some or all of the human resource
management  responsibilities,  including  payroll  and payroll  taxes,  employee
benefits,  health insurance,  workers' compensation  coverage,  workplace safety
programs, compliance with federal and state employment laws, labor and workplace
regulatory  requirements and related  administrative  responsibilities.  Barrett
also hires and fires its PEO  employees,  although  the client  company  remains
responsible  for day-to-day  assignments,  supervision and training and, in most
cases, recruiting.

         The Company began offering PEO services to Oregon customers in 1990 and
subsequently  expanded these  services to other states.  The Company has entered
into  co-employer  arrangements  with  a  wide  variety  of  clients,  including
companies  involved in moving and shipping,  professional  firms,  construction,
retail,  manufacturing  and distribution  businesses.  PEO clients are typically
small to mid-sized  businesses  with up to 100 employees.  None of the Company's
PEO  clients  individually  accounted  for  more  than 10% of its  total  annual
revenues during 1998.

         Prior to entering into a co-employer arrangement,  the Company performs
an analysis of the potential client's actual personnel and workers' compensation
costs based on  information  provided by the customer.  Barrett  introduces  its
workplace safety program and recommends improvements in procedures and equipment
following a safety  inspection of the customer's  facilities which the potential
client must agree to implement as part of the co-employer  arrangement.  Barrett
also  offers  significant  financial  incentives  to PEO  clients to  maintain a
safe-work environment.

         The Company's standard PEO services agreement provides for services for
an indefinite  term,  until notice of termination is given by either party.  The
agreement  permits  cancellation by either party upon 30 days written notice. In
addition,  the Company may  terminate  the  agreement at any time for  specified
reasons,  including  nonpayment or failure to follow Barrett's  workplace safety
program.

         The form of agreement also provides for  indemnification of the Company
by the client  against losses arising out of any default by the client under the
agreement,  including failure to comply with any employment-related,  health and
safety or immigration laws or regulations.  The Company also requires the client
to maintain  comprehensive  liability  coverage in the amount of $1,000,000  for
acts of its worksite  employees.  In addition,  the Company has excess liability
insurance  coverage in the amount of $2,000,000 per occurrence and policy limits
of $5,000,000 in the aggregate.  Although no claims exceeding such policy limits
have been paid by the Company to date,  the  possibility  exists that claims for
amounts in excess of sums available to the Company  through  indemnification  or
insurance  may be asserted in the  future,  which could have a material  adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

                                       6
<PAGE>

SALES AND MARKETING
         The  Company  markets  its  services  primarily  through  direct  sales
presentations  by its branch office account  managers.  The Company also obtains
referrals  from  existing  clients and other  third  parties,  and places  radio
commercials  and  advertisements  in  various   publications,   including  local
newspapers and the Yellow Pages.  Barrett  believes that it is able to offer its
services  at  competitive  rates  due to the  lower  costs  associated  with its
self-insured workers' compensation program when compared to the cost of workers'
compensation insurance. See "Self-Insured Workers' Compensation Program" below.

BILLING
         Through  centralized   operations  at  the  Company's  headquarters  in
Portland, Oregon, the Company prepares invoices weekly for its staffing services
customers and following the end of each payroll  period for PEO clients.  Health
insurance  premiums are passed  through to PEO clients.  The Company  requires a
deposit from  certain of its PEO clients to cover one payroll  period plus gross
margin.

SELF-INSURED WORKERS' COMPENSATION PROGRAM
         A principal service provided by Barrett to its customers,  particularly
its PEO clients, is workers'  compensation  coverage. As the employer of record,
Barrett is responsible for complying with applicable statutory  requirements for
workers' compensation  coverage.  The Company's workplace safety services,  also
described  under "Overview of Services," are closely tied to its approach to the
management of workers' compensation risk.

         Elements of Workers'  Compensation  System. State law (and, for certain
         ------------------------------------------
types of employees,  federal law) generally  mandates that an employer reimburse
its  employees  for the costs of medical care and other  specified  benefits for
injuries  or  illnesses  incurred  in the  course and scope of  employment.  The
benefits  payable  for  various  categories  of claims are  determined  by state
regulation  and vary with the  severity  and nature of the injury or illness and
other  specified  factors.  In return for this guaranteed  protection,  workers'
compensation is an exclusive  remedy and employees are generally  precluded from
seeking other damages from their  employer for workplace  injuries.  Most states
require  employers  to maintain  workers'  compensation  insurance  or otherwise
demonstrate financial  responsibility to meet workers' compensation  obligations
to employees.  In many states,  employers  who meet certain  financial and other
requirements are permitted to self-insure.

         Self  Insurance  for Workers'  Compensation.  In August  1987,  Barrett
         -------------------------------------------
became a self-insured employer for workers' compensation coverage in Oregon. The
Company has  subsequently  obtained  self-insured  employer  status for workers'
compensation  in four  additional  states,  Maryland,  Washington,  Delaware and
California.  In  addition,  in May 1995,  the Company  was granted  self-insured
employer  status  by the U.S.  Department  of Labor  for  longshore  and  harbor
("USL&H") workers' compensation  coverage.  Regulations  governing  self-insured
employers in each jurisdiction typically require the employer to maintain surety
deposits of cash,  government securities or other financial instruments to cover
workers' claims in the event the employer is unable to pay for such claims.

         Barrett also  maintains  excess  workers'  compensation  insurance  for
single  occurrences  exceeding $350,000 (except for $500,000 for USL&H coverage)
with statutory limits (i.e., in unlimited  amounts)  pursuant to annual policies
with major insurance companies.  The excess-insurance  policies contain standard
exclusions  from coverage,  including  punitive  damages,  fines or penalties in
connection  with  violation of any statute or regulation  and losses  covered by
other insurance or indemnity provisions.

         In addition, the Company maintains an insured  large-deductible program
which allows it to become insured for workers'  compensation  coverage in nearly
all states where the extent of the Company's operations does not yet warrant the
investment to become a self-insured employer.


                                       7
<PAGE>

         Claims Management.  Pursuant to its self-insured  status, the Company's
         -----------------
workers'  compensation expense is tied directly to the incidence and severity of
workplace  injuries to its  employees.  Barrett  seeks to contain  its  workers'
compensation  costs through an  aggressive  approach to claims  management.  The
Company uses  managed-care  systems to reduce medical costs and keeps  time-loss
costs  to  a  minimum  by  assigning  injured  workers,  whenever  possible,  to
short-term assignments which accommodate the workers' physical limitations.  The
Company  believes that these  assignments  minimize both time actually lost from
work  and  covered  time-loss  costs.   Barrett  has  also  engaged  third-party
administrators  ("TPAs")  to provide  additional  claims  management  expertise.
Typical management  procedures  include  performing  thorough and prompt on-site
investigations  of  claims  filed  by  employees,  working  with  physicians  to
encourage efficient medical management of cases, denying questionable claims and
negotiating  early  settlements to eliminate  future case development and costs.
Barrett also maintains a mandatory corporate-wide  pre-employment drug screening
program and a mandatory  post-injury  drug test. The program is believed to have
resulted in a reduction in the frequency of  fraudulent  claims and in accidents
in which the use of illegal drugs appears to have been a contributing factor.

         Elements  of  Self-Insurance  Costs.  The  costs  associated  with  the
         -----------------------------------
Company's  self-insured  workers' compensation program include case reserves for
reported  claims,  an  additional  expense  provision  (referred to as the "IBNR
reserve") for  unanticipated  increases in the cost of open injury claims (known
as "adverse loss  development") and for claims incurred in prior periods but not
reported,  fees payable to the Company's TPAs,  additional claims administration
expenses, administrative fees payable to state and federal workers' compensation
regulatory agencies,  premiums for excess workers' compensation insurance, legal
fees and safety incentive payments. Although not directly related to the size of
the Company's payroll, the number of claims and correlative loss payments may be
expected to increase with growth in the total number of employees. TPA fees also
vary with the number of claims administered. The state assessments are typically
based on payroll  amounts  and,  to a limited  extent,  the amount of  permanent
disability awards during the previous year.  Excess insurance  premiums are also
based in part on the size of the Company's  payroll.  Safety incentives  expense
may  increase  as the number of the  Company's  PEO  employees  rises,  although
increases will only occur for any given PEO client if such client's claims costs
are below agreed-upon amounts.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS EXPERIENCE AND RESERVES
         The  Company  recognizes  its  liability  for the  ultimate  payment of
incurred claims and claims  adjustment  expenses by accruing  liabilities  which
represent  estimates  of future  amounts  necessary  to pay claims  and  related
expenses  with  respect  to  covered  events  that have  occurred.  When a claim
involving a probable  loss is reported,  the  Company's  TPA  establishes a case
reserve for the  estimated  amount of ultimate  loss.  The estimate  reflects an
informed  judgment  based  on  established  case  reserving  practices  and  the
experience  and knowledge of the TPA regarding the nature and expected  value of
the claim,  as well as the  estimated  expense of settling the claim,  including
legal and other fees and expenses of administering  claims. The adequacy of such
case reserves depends on the  professional  judgment of each TPA to properly and
comprehensively evaluate the economic consequences of each claim.  Additionally,
on an aggregate basis, the Company has established an additional expense reserve
for both future  adverse loss  development in excess of initial case reserves on
open claims and for claims  incurred but not  reported,  referred to as the IBNR
reserve.

         As part of the case reserving process,  historical data is reviewed and
consideration is given to the anticipated  effect of various factors,  including
known and anticipated  legal  developments,  inflation and economic  conditions.
Reserve amounts are necessarily  based on management's  estimates,  and as other
data  becomes  available,  these  estimates  are  revised,  which may  result in
increases  or  decreases  in  existing  case  reserves.  Barrett  has  engaged a
nationally-recognized,  independent actuary to periodically review the Company's
total workers'  compensation claims liability and reserving practices.  Based in
part  on  such  review,   the  Company   believes  its  total  accrued  workers'


                                       8
<PAGE>

compensation  claims  liabilities  are  adequate.  There  can,  however,  be  no
assurance that the Company's  actual future  workers'  compensation  obligations
will not exceed  the amount of its  accrued  liabilities,  with a  corresponding
negative effect on future earnings, due to such factors as unanticipated adverse
loss development of known claims, and the effect, if any, of claims incurred but
not reported.

         Approximately  one-fifth of the Company's  payroll exposure  associated
with staffing or PEO services is in relatively high-risk industries with respect
to workplace injuries,  including trucking, logging and construction.  A failure
to  successfully  manage the  severity and  frequency  of workers'  compensation
injuries will have a negative impact on the Company.  Management maintains clear
guidelines  for  its  branch  managers,   account  managers,  and  loss  control
specialists  directly tying their continued employment with the Company to their
diligence  in  understanding  and  addressing  the risks of  accident  or injury
associated  with  the  industries  in  which  client  companies  operate  and in
monitoring  the compliance by clients with workplace  safety  requirements.  The
Company has a policy of "zero tolerance" for avoidable workplace injuries.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
         The  Company   performs   all   functions   associated   with   payroll
administration  through its internal management  information system. Each branch
performs  payroll data entry functions and maintains an independent  database of
employees  and  customers,  as  well  as  payroll  and  invoicing  records.  All
processing  functions are  centralized at Barrett's  corporate  headquarters  in
Portland,   Oregon.   Although  the  current  system  employed  by  the  Company
satisfactorily  meets  its  current  needs,  the  Company  perceives  it  to  be
advantageous to significantly  expand the capacity and capabilities  through the
utilization of new software  technologies.  Accordingly,  management initiated a
project in mid-1997 to convert to new  technologies  which it  anticipates  will
enable the  Company to more  effectively  accommodate  its  anticipated  growth,
maintain  a  cost-effective   and  efficient   processing   structure,   improve
functionality,  meet expected customer  requirements for expanded  communication
capabilities,   and  provide   additional   customer  services  and  information
reporting.  The Company's new system will utilize client-server  technology,  an
existing software product from an independent software development company and a
relational  database  environment.   Management  estimates  the  total  cost  of
implementing  this  project at  approximately  $2.7  million.  The new system is
currently  expected to be  operational in mid-1999 and has been certified by the
vendor to be year 2000 compliant.

EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
         At December 31, 1998, the Company had  approximately  19,410 employees,
including approximately 14,000 staffing services employees,  approximately 5,100
PEO  employees  and  approximately  310  managerial,  sales  and  administrative
employees.  The number of employees at any given time may vary significantly due
to  business   conditions  at  customer  or  client   companies.   During  1998,
approximately  1% of  the  Company's  employees  were  covered  by a  collective
bargaining  agreement.  Each of Barrett's  managerial,  sales and administrative
employees has entered into a standard form of employment  agreement which, among
other  things,  contains  covenants  not to  engage  in  certain  activities  in
competition with the Company for 18 months  following  termination of employment
and to maintain the confidentiality of certain proprietary information.  Barrett
believes its employee relations are good.

         The Company's decentralized  management structure relies heavily on its
zone managers,  each responsible for overseeing the operations of several branch
offices.  Accordingly,  the efficiency of Barrett's operations is dependent upon
its ability to attract and retain highly  qualified,  motivated  individuals  to
serve as zone managers.  This ability is also central to the Company's  plans to
expand through acquiring human resources related  businesses in existing and new
geographic  areas.  There is no assurance  that the Company will  continue to be
able to recruit and retain  individuals with the skills and experience  required
of zone managers.


                                       9
<PAGE>

         Benefits offered to Barrett's staffing services employees include group
health  insurance,  a Section 125 cafeteria plan which permits  employees to use
pretax  earnings  to  fund  various  services,  including  medical,  dental  and
childcare,  and a Section  401(k)  savings plan pursuant to which  employees may
begin making  contributions  upon reaching 21 years of age and completing  1,000
hours of service in any consecutive  12-month period.  The Company may also make
contributions  to the savings plan,  which vest over seven years and are subject
to certain  legal  limits,  at the sole  discretion  of the  Company's  Board of
Directors.  In addition, the Company offers a nonqualified deferred compensation
plan for highly  compensated  employees who are precluded from  participation in
the 401(k) plan. Employees subject to a co-employer  arrangement may participate
in the  Company's  benefit  plans,  provided  that the  group  health  insurance
premiums  may,  at the  client's  option,  be paid  by  payroll  deduction.  See
"Regulatory and Legislative Issues--Employee Benefit Plans."

REGULATORY AND LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
         Business Operations. The Company is subject to the laws and regulations
         -------------------
of the  jurisdictions  within  which  it  operates,  including  those  governing
self-insured  employers  under the  workers'  compensation  systems  in  Oregon,
Washington,  Maryland, Delaware, California and the U.S. Department of Labor for
USL&H  workers.  An Oregon PEO  company,  such as  Barrett,  is  required  to be
licensed as a worker-leasing  company by the Workers'  Compensation  Division of
the Oregon  Department  of Consumer and Business  Services.  Temporary  staffing
companies are expressly exempt from the Oregon licensing requirement. Oregon PEO
companies  are also  required to ensure that each PEO client  provides  adequate
training and supervision for its employees to comply with statutory requirements
for  workplace  safety  and to give 30 days  written  notice  in the  event of a
termination of its obligation to provide workers'  compensation coverage for PEO
employees and other subject employees of a PEO client.  Although compliance with
these   requirements   imposes  some  additional   financial  risk  on  Barrett,
particularly  with respect to those clients who breach their payment  obligation
to the  Company,  such  compliance  has not had a  material  adverse  impact  on
Barrett's business, financial condition or results of operations.

         Employee  Benefit  Plans.  The  Company's  operations  are  affected by
         ------------------------
numerous federal and state laws relating to labor,  tax and employment  matters.
By entering into a co-employer  relationship  with employees who are assigned to
work at client locations  (sometimes referred to as "worksite  employees"),  the
Company assumes certain  obligations and  responsibilities  of an employer under
these federal and state laws.  Because many of these federal and state laws were
enacted prior to the  development of  nontraditional  employment  relationships,
such  as   professional   employer,   temporary   employment,   and  outsourcing
arrangements, many of these laws do not specifically address the obligations and
responsibilities  of nontraditional  employers.  In addition,  the definition of
"employer" under these laws is not uniform.

         As an  employer,  the  Company is subject to all federal  statutes  and
regulations governing its employer-employee relationships. Subject to the issues
discussed  below,  the Company believes that its operations are in compliance in
all material respects with all applicable federal statutes and regulations.

         The Company  offers  various  qualified  employee  benefit plans to its
employees,  including  its worksite  employees.  These  employee  benefit  plans
include a savings plan (the "401(k)  plan") under Section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue  Code (the  "Code"),  a cafeteria  plan under Code  Section 125, a group
health plan, a group life insurance plan, a group disability  insurance plan and
an employee  assistance  plan. In addition,  the Company  offers a  nonqualified
deferred  compensation plan, which is available to highly compensated  employees
who are not eligible to  participate  in the Company's  401(k) plan.  Generally,
qualified  employee benefit plans are subject to provisions of both the Code and
the  Employee  Retirement  Income  Security Act of 1974  ("ERISA").  In order to
qualify for  favorable  tax treatment  under the Code,  qualified  plans must be
established  and  maintained  by an employer  for the  exclusive  benefit of its
employees.  See Item 7 of this  report  for a  discussion  of  issues  regarding


                                       10
<PAGE>


qualification   of  the  Company's   employee   benefit  plans  arising  out  of
participation by the Company's PEO employees.

COMPETITION
         The staffing  services and PEO  businesses are  characterized  by rapid
growth  and  intense   competition.   The  staffing   services  market  includes
competitors  of all sizes,  including  several,  such as Manpower,  Inc.,  Kelly
Services,  Inc.,  The  Olsten  Corporation,  Interim  Services,  Inc.,  and Adia
Services,  Inc.,  which are  national  in scope and have  substantially  greater
financial,  marketing  and other  resources  than the  Company.  In  addition to
national companies,  Barrett competes with numerous regional and local firms for
both  customers and  employees.  The Company  estimates  that at least 100 firms
provide staffing services in Oregon.  There are relatively few barriers to entry
into the staffing services business.  The principal  competitive  factors in the
staffing  services  industry are price, the ability to provide qualified workers
in a timely manner and the monitoring of job performance. The Company attributes
its internal growth in staffing services revenues to the  cost-efficiency of its
operations which permits the Company to price its services competitively, and to
its ability  through its branch  office  network to  understand  and satisfy the
needs of its customers with competent personnel.

         Although  there  are  believed  to  be  approximately  2,200  companies
currently offering PEO services in the U.S., many of these potential competitors
are located in states in which the Company  presently does not operate.  Barrett
believes that there are  approximately 60 firms offering PEO services in Oregon,
but the  Company has the  largest  presence  in the state.  The Company may face
additional  competition in the future from new entrants to the field,  including
other staffing services  companies,  payroll processing  companies and insurance
companies.  Certain PEO  companies  operating in areas in which Barrett does not
now,  but may in the future,  offer its  services  have  greater  financial  and
marketing   resources  than  the  Company,   such  as  The  Vincam  Group  Inc.,
Administaff,  Inc.,  Staff  Leasing,  Inc.  and  Paychex,  Inc.,  among  others.
Competition in the PEO industry is based largely on price,  although service and
quality are also  important.  Barrett  believes  that its growth in PEO services
revenues is attributable to its ability to provide small and mid-sized companies
with the  opportunity  to provide  enhanced  benefits to their  employees  while
reducing their overall personnel administration and workers' compensation costs.
The Company's  competitive  advantage may be adversely affected by a substantial
increase in the costs of  maintaining  its  self-insured  workers'  compensation
program.  A  general  market  decrease  in the  level of  workers'  compensation
insurance premiums may also decrease demand for PEO services.


                                       11
<PAGE>

ITEM 2.       PROPERTIES
- ------------------------

         The Company  provides  staffing and PEO services  through all 30 of its
branch  offices.  The following table shows the number of branch offices located
in each  state in which the  Company  operates.  The  Company's  Oregon  offices
accounted for 46% of its total  revenues in 1998. The Company also leases office
space in 22 other  locations  in its market  areas  which it uses to recruit and
place employees.

                                       Number of
                                         Branch
               State                    Offices
               ------------------    --------------
               Arizona                      1
               California                  13
               Idaho                        2
               Maryland                     3
               Oregon                      10
               Washington                   1

         The Company's corporate  headquarters are located in an office building
in Portland,  Oregon,  with approximately 9,200 square feet of office space. The
building is subject to a mortgage loan with a principal balance of approximately
$530,000 at December 31, 1998.

         The Company also owns  another  office  building in  Portland,  Oregon,
which  houses  its   Portland/Bridgeport   branch   office.   The  building  has
approximately 7,000 square feet of office space.

         Barrett leases office space for its other branch  offices.  At December
31, 1998,  such leases had  expiration  dates ranging from less than one year to
five  years,   with  total  minimum   payments  through  2003  of  approximately
$2,882,000.

ITEM 3.       LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- -------------------------------

         There were no material legal proceedings pending against the Company at
September 30, 1998, or during the period  beginning with that date through March
30, 1999.

ITEM 4.       SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

         No  matters  were  submitted  to a vote of the  Company's  stockholders
during the fourth quarter of 1998.

                                       12
<PAGE>

         EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

         The following table identifies, as of February 26, 1999, each executive
officer of the Company. Executive officers are elected annually and serve at the
discretion of the Board of Directors.

<TABLE>
        <S>                      <C>    <C>                                            <C>
                                                                                        Officer
                    Name          Age    Principal Positions and Business Experience     Since
        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         William W. Sherertz       53    President; Chief Executive Officer; Director     1980

         Michael D. Mulholland     47    Vice President-Finance and Secretary; Chief      1994
                                         Financial Officer

         K. Risa Olsen (1)         48    Vice President                                   1997

         Gregory R. Vaughn         43    Vice President                                   1998

         James D. Miller           35    Controller and Assistant Secretary;              1994
                                         Principal Accounting Officer

- -------------------------------------
(1)  Ms. Olsen tendered her resignation on March 19, 1999, effective April 2, 1999.
</TABLE>

         William W. Sherertz has acted as Chief Executive Officer of the Company
since  1980.  He has also been a director of the  Company  since  1980,  and was
appointed  President of the Company in March 1993.  Mr.  Sherertz also serves as
Chairman of the Board of Directors.

         Michael  D.  Mulholland  joined  the  Company  in  August  1994 as Vice
President-Finance and Secretary.  From 1988 to 1994, Mr. Mulholland was employed
by Sprouse-Reitz Stores Inc., a former Nasdaq-listed retail company,  serving as
its Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. In November
1991,  Sprouse-Reitz  filed a voluntary  petition  under  Chapter 11 of the U.S.
Bankruptcy  Code.  Its plan of  reorganization  was confirmed by the  Bankruptcy
Court in June 1992. Subsequently, Mr. Mulholland was appointed to the additional
position  of Acting  Chief  Executive  Officer  prior to  Sprouse's  filing of a
voluntary  petition in connection with a prepackaged  liquidating  Chapter 11 in
November 1993. He is a certified public accountant on inactive status.

         K. Risa Olsen  rejoined the Company in April 1996 as National  Accounts
Manager.  Ms.  Olsen was  appointed  Vice  President in January  1997.  Prior to
rejoining  Barrett,  she  was  a  self-employed  Area  Director  for  The  Worth
Collection,  Ltd., a national privately-held direct marketer of women's apparel,
from November 1994 to March 1996.  From January 1993 to October 1994,  Ms. Olsen
owned and operated a marketing organization for various manufacturers of women's
apparel.  Prior to 1993,  Ms.  Olsen was  employed by The John H. Harland Co., a
publicly-held  provider of checks,  forms,  and business  documents to financial
institutions,  as a District Manager.  Ms. Olsen was previously  employed by the
Company from 1976 to 1981.

         Gregory  R.  Vaughn  joined  the  Company  in July  1997 as  Operations
Manager.  Mr. Vaughn was  appointed  Vice  President in January  1998.  Prior to
joining  Barrett,  Mr. Vaughn was Chief Executive  Officer of Insource  America,
Inc., a  privately-held  human  resource  management  company  headquartered  in
Portland,  Oregon,  since  1996.  Mr.  Vaughn  has also held  senior  management
positions  with Sundial Time  Systems,  Inc.  from 1995 to 1996 and  Continental
Information Systems, Inc. from 1990 to 1994.

         James D. Miller joined the Company in January 1994 as Controller.  From
1991 to 1994,  he was the Corporate  Accounting  Manager for  Christensen  Motor
Yacht Corporation. Mr. Miller, a certified public accountant on inactive status,
was employed by Price Waterhouse LLP from 1987 to 1991.


                                       13
<PAGE>


                                     PART II

ITEM 5.       MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
              MATTERS
              -------

         The Company's  common stock (the "Common  Stock")  trades on The Nasdaq
Stock  Market  under the symbol  "BBSI." At  February  26,  1999,  there were 70
stockholders of record and  approximately  1,100 beneficial owners of the Common
Stock. The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends since the closing
of its initial  public  offering of Common  Stock on June 18,  1993,  and has no
present plan to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable  future. The following
table  presents  the high and low  sales  prices  of the  Common  Stock for each
quarterly  period  during the last two fiscal  years,  as reported by The Nasdaq
Stock Market:

           1997                                    High               Low
           ----                                    ----               ---
           First Quarter                         $ 19.00           $ 12.75
           Second Quarter                          15.00             11.50
           Third Quarter                           17.50             13.63
           Fourth Quarter                          17.25             11.00

           1998                                    High               Low
           ----                                    ----               ---
           First Quarter                         $ 12.00           $ 10.25
           Second Quarter                          13.38              9.13
           Third Quarter                           10.88              7.88
           Fourth Quarter                           9.38              6.00

         The Company  issued 30,000  shares of Common Stock in April 1998,  upon
the exercise of stock  warrants with an exercise price of $4.20 per share issued
in connection  with the Company's  initial public  offering in June 1993 without
registration  under the  Securities  Act of 1933 in reliance  upon the exemption
from  registration  set  forth in  Section  4(2) of the  Securities  Act of 1933
regarding transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering.


                                       14
<PAGE>


ITEM 6.       SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
- -------------------------------------

         The following  selected  financial  data should be read in  conjunction
with the Company's  financial  statements and the  accompanying  notes listed in
Item 14 of this report.
<TABLE>
        <S>                                                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>          <C> 
                                                                                   Year Ended December 31
                                                               ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1998          1997          1996          1995          1994
                                                               ----------    ---------     ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                                             (In thousands, except per share data)
         Statement of Operations Data:
         Revenues:
            Staffing services...............................   $ 165,443     $ 177,263      $ 130,746      $ 113,437    $  83,344
            Professional employer services..................     137,586       128,268        101,206         79,480       68,571
                                                              ----------     ---------      ---------      ---------     --------
                Total.......................................     303,029       305,531        231,952        192,917      151,915
                                                              ----------     ---------      ---------      ---------     --------
         Cost of revenues:
            Direct payroll costs............................     235,265       236,307        176,686        146,490      114,493
            Payroll taxes and benefits......................      25,550        27,226         20,414         16,139       12,888
            Workers' compensation...........................       8,670         9,075          6,641          6,729        5,758
            Safety incentives...............................       1,520         1,509          1,532            981        1,103
                                                              ----------     ---------      ---------      ---------     --------
                Total.......................................     271,005       274,117        205,273        170,339      134,242
                                                              ----------     ---------      ---------      ---------     --------
         Gross margin.......................................      32,024        31,414         26,679         22,578       17,673
         Selling, general, and administrative expenses......      23,481        24,011         18,534         15,496       11,695
         Merger expenses....................................         750            --             --             --           --
         Amortization of intangibles........................       1,316         1,332            860            606          472
                                                              ----------     ---------      ---------      ---------     --------
         Income from operations.............................       6,477         6,071          7,285          6,476        5,506
                                                              ----------     ---------      ---------      ---------     --------
         Other (expense) income:
            Interest expense................................        (173)         (247)          (122)          (154)        (231)
            Interest income.................................         441           362            554            400          224
            Other, net......................................          (1)            1             --             32           78
                                                              ----------     ---------      ---------      ---------     --------
                Total.......................................         267           116            432            278           71
                                                              ----------     ---------      ---------      ---------     --------
         Income before provision for income taxes...........       6,744         6,187          7,717          6,754        5,577
         Provision for income taxes.........................       2,923         2,342          2,749          2,566        2,117
                                                              ----------     ---------      ---------      ---------     --------
                Net income..................................   $   3,821     $   3,845      $   4,968      $   4,188     $  3,460
                                                              ==========     =========      =========      =========     ========
         Basic net income per share.........................   $     .50     $     .50      $     .65      $     .57     $    .48
                                                              ==========     =========      =========      =========     ========
         Weighted average basic shares......................   $   7,664         7,646          7,602          7,358        7,217
                                                              ==========     ==========     =========      =========     ========
         Diluted net income per share.......................   $     .50     $     .49      $     .64      $     .55     $    .46
                                                              ==========     =========      =========      =========     ========
         Weighted average diluted shares....................   $   7,711         7,780          7,823          7,564        7,475
                                                              ==========     =========      =========      =========     ========


                                                                                       As of December 31 
                                                               ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1998          1997          1996           1995          1994
                                                               ----------    ----------    ----------     ----------    ----------
                                                                                        (In thousands)
         Selected Balance Sheet Data:

         Working capital....................................  $   13,272    $   10,201     $   11,489     $    8,387    $   4,738

         Total assets.......................................      52,770        50,815         44,063         32,450       25,552 

         Long-term debt, net of current portion.............         503           573          1,107            875          908 

         Stockholders' equity...............................      33,702        30,231         25,629         20,139       14,490
         </TABLE>


                                                 15
<PAGE>


ITEM 7.       MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL  CONDITION AND
              ------------------------------------------------------------------
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
              ---------------------

OVERVIEW
         The Company's  revenues  consist of staffing  services and professional
employer  organization  ("PEO") services.  Staffing services revenues consist of
short-term  staffing,  contract  staffing and on-site  management.  PEO services
refer exclusively to co-employer  contractual  agreements with PEO clients.  The
Company's revenues represent all amounts billed to customers for direct payroll,
related  employment  taxes,  workers'  compensation  coverage  and a service fee
(equivalent to a mark-up percentage). The Company's Oregon offices accounted for
approximately  46% of its total  revenues in 1998. An additional 36% of revenues
was derived from its offices in California.  Consequently,  weakness in economic
conditions  in  these  regions  could  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the
Company's financial results.

         The Company's  cost of revenues is comprised of direct  payroll  costs,
payroll  taxes  and  employee   benefits,   workers'   compensation  and  safety
incentives. Direct payroll costs represent the gross payroll earned by employees
based on salary or hourly wages.  Payroll taxes and employee benefits consist of
the  employer's   portion  of  Social  Security  and  Medicare  taxes,   federal
unemployment  taxes, state  unemployment  taxes and employee  reimbursements for
materials, supplies and other expenses, which are paid by the customer. Workers'
compensation  expense  consists  primarily  of the  costs  associated  with  the
Company's  self-insured  workers' compensation program, such as claims reserves,
claims administration fees, legal fees, state and federal  administrative agency
fees and reinsurance costs for catastrophic injuries. The Company also maintains
a large-deductible  workers' compensation insurance policy for employees working
in states where the Company is not  currently  self-insured.  Safety  incentives
represent cash incentives  paid to certain PEO client  companies as a reward for
maintaining  safe-work  practices in order to minimize workplace  injuries.  The
incentive is based on a  percentage  of annual  payroll and is paid  annually to
customers who meet predetermined loss parameters.

         The  largest  portion of workers'  compensation  expense is the cost of
workplace  injury claims.  When an injury occurs and is reported to the Company,
the Company's respective  independent  third-party claims administrator  ("TPA")
analyzes  the details of the injury and  develops a case  reserve,  which is the
TPA's  estimate  of the cost of the  claim  based on  similar  injuries  and its
professional  judgment.  The Company then records,  or accrues, an expense and a
corresponding  liability based upon the TPA's estimates for claims reserves.  As
cash payments are made by the Company's TPA against specific case reserves,  the
accrued liability is reduced by the corresponding  payment amount.  The TPA also
reviews  existing  injury  claims  on an  on-going  basis and  adjusts  the case
reserves as new or additional information for each claim becomes available.  The
Company has established  additional reserves to provide for future unanticipated
increases in expenses  ("adverse loss  development")  of the claims reserves for
open injury claims and for claims incurred but not reported related to prior and
current  periods.   Management  believes  that  the  Company's  internal  claims
reporting system minimizes the occurrence of unreported incurred claims.

         Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses  represent  both branch
office and corporate  operating  expenses.  Branch  operating  expenses  consist
primarily of branch office staff payroll and payroll related costs, advertising,
rent, office supplies,  depreciation and branch incentive  compensation.  Branch
incentive  compensation  represents a combined 15% of branch pretax profits,  of
which 10% is paid to the branch manager and 5% is shared among the office staff.
Corporate  operating  expenses  consist  primarily of executive and office staff
payroll  and  payroll  related  costs,  professional  and  legal  fees,  travel,
depreciation,  occupancy  costs,  information  systems  costs and  executive and
corporate staff incentive bonuses.


                                       16
<PAGE>

         Amortization of intangibles  consists  primarily of the amortization of
the costs of  acquisitions  in excess of the fair value of net  assets  acquired
(goodwill).  The Company uses a 15-year estimate as the useful life of goodwill,
as compared to the 40-year maximum  permitted by generally  accepted  accounting
principles,  and  amortizes  such cost  using the  straight-line  method.  Other
intangible  assets,  such as customer  lists and covenants  not to compete,  are
amortized  using the  straight-line  method over their  estimated  useful lives,
which range from two to 15 years.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
         Statements  in this  Item or in Item 1 of  this  report  which  are not
historical  in  nature,  including  discussion  of  economic  conditions  in the
Company's  market  areas,  the  potential  for and  effect of recent  and future
acquisitions,  the effect of changes in the  Company's  mix of services on gross
margin,  the  adequacy  of the  Company's  workers'  compensation  reserves  and
allowance  for doubtful  accounts,  the  tax-qualified  status of the  Company's
401(k) savings plan, the timely resolution of the Year 2000 issue by the Company
and its customers  and vendors,  and the  availability  of financing and working
capital  to  meet  the  Company's  funding  requirements,   are  forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995.  Such   forward-looking   statements  involve  known  and  unknown  risks,
uncertainties  and other factors that may cause the actual results,  performance
or  achievements of the Company or industry  results to be materially  different
from any future  results,  performance or  achievements  expressed or implied by
such  forward-looking  statements.  Such  factors  with  respect to the  Company
include difficulties associated with integrating acquired businesses and clients
into the Company's  operations,  economic trends in the Company's service areas,
uncertainties  regarding  government  regulation of PEOs, including the possible
adoption by the IRS of an unfavorable position as to the tax-qualified status of
employee benefit plans maintained by PEOs, future workers'  compensation  claims
experience,  and the availability of and costs associated with potential sources
of financing. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or
to publicly  announce the result of any revisions to any of the  forward-looking
statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
         The  following  table  sets  forth the  percentages  of total  revenues
represented by selected items in the Company's  Statements of Operations for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,  listed in Item 14 of this report.
The Company's acquisition by merger of Western Industrial Management, Inc. and a
related  company  (together,  "WIMI"),  in  June  1998  was  accounted  for as a
pooling-of-interests  and, accordingly,  the Company's financial statements have
been restated for prior  periods to give effect to the merger.  Certain 1997 and
1996 revenue and cost of revenue amounts have been  reclassified to conform with
the 1998 presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on gross margin, net
income or stockholders' equity.  References to the Notes to Financial Statements
appearing below are to the notes to the Company's financial statements listed in
Item 14 of this report.


                                       17
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>              <C>               <C>
                                                                 Percentage of Total Revenues
                                                         -----------------------------------------
                                                                    Years Ended December 31,
                                                          1998              1997              1996 
                                                         -------          -------           -------
Revenues:
     Staffing services..............................       54.6%            58.0%             56.4%
     Professional employer services.................       45.4             42.0              43.6
                                                         ------           ------            ------
         Total revenues.............................      100.0            100.0             100.0
                                                         ------           ------            ------
Cost of revenues:
     Direct payroll costs...........................       77.6             77.3              76.1
     Payroll taxes and benefits.....................        8.4              8.9               8.8
     Workers' compensation..........................        2.9              3.0               2.9
     Safety incentives..............................        0.5              0.5               0.7
                                                         ------           ------            ------
         Total cost of revenues.....................       89.4             89.7              88.5
                                                         ------           ------            ------
Gross margin........................................       10.6             10.3              11.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses........        7.8              7.9               8.0
Merger expenses.....................................        0.2                -                 -
Amortization of intangibles.........................        0.4              0.4               0.4
                                                         ------           ------            ------
Income from operations..............................        2.2              2.0               3.1
Other income (expense)..............................        0.1                -               0.2
                                                         ------           ------            ------
Pretax income.......................................        2.3              2.0               3.3
Provision for income taxes..........................        1.0              0.7               1.2
                                                         ------           ------            ------
Net income..........................................        1.3%             1.3%              2.1%
                                                         ======           ======            ======
</TABLE>

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
         Net income for 1998  amounted to  $3,821,000,  a decrease of $24,000 or
0.6% from 1997 net income of  $3,845,000.  The small decrease in 1998 net income
from 1997 was  primarily due to $750,000 of merger  expenses in connection  with
the WIMI transaction and a higher income tax rate,  offset in part by the effect
of a higher gross margin percent and lower selling,  general and  administrative
expenses.  Diluted net income per share for 1998 was $0.50 compared to $0.49 for
1997.

         Revenues for 1998 totaled  $303,029,000 which represented a decrease of
$2,502,000  or 0.8% from 1997  revenues of  $305,531,000.  To date,  the revenue
trend has not been a company-wide issue and has been primarily confined to a few
larger branch offices. The decline in revenues is related to a limited number of
large staffing customers that have been affected by various economic conditions.

         Staffing  services  revenue   decreased   $11,820,000  or  6.7%,  while
professional  employer  services  revenue  increased  $9,318,000 or 7.3%,  which
resulted  in a  decrease  in the share of  staffing  services  to 54.6% of total
revenues  for 1998,  as  compared  to 58.0% for 1997.  The  decline in  staffing
services  revenue  for 1998  was  primarily  attributable  to two  factors:  (1)
management's decision not to renew a business relationship with a large seasonal
customer which was anticipated to provide an unacceptable  profit margin and (2)
a moderation  in the demand for the  Company's  services by a limited  number of
large staffing customers that were affected by various economic conditions.  The
share of professional  employer services  revenues had a corresponding  increase
from 42.0% of total revenues for 1997 to 45.4% for 1998.

         Gross margin for 1998 totaled $32,024,000,  representing an increase of
$610,000  or 1.9%  over  1997.  The  gross  margin  rate of  10.6%  of  revenues
represents a 30 basis point  increase  from 1997 due  primarily to lower payroll
taxes and  benefits  and  workers'  compensation  expenses  as a  percentage  of
revenues,  offset in part by higher  direct  payroll  costs as a  percentage  of
revenues.  The decline in payroll taxes and benefits,  in total dollars and as a
percent of revenues,  for 1998 was primarily due to lower state unemployment tax
rates.  The increase in direct payroll costs,  as a percentage of revenues,  was
primarily  attributable to the increased share of professional employer services
business,  where  payroll  costs  typically  represent  a higher  percentage  of
revenues as compared to staffing services.  The Company expects gross margin, as
a percentage of revenues,  to continue to be influenced by  fluctuations  in the
mix  between  staffing  and PEO  services,  as well  as by the  adequacy  of its
estimates


                                       18
<PAGE>


for  workers'  compensation  liabilities,  which may be  negatively  affected by
unanticipated adverse loss development of claims reserves.

         Workers'  compensation expense decreased from 3.0% of revenues for 1997
to 2.9% of revenues for 1998. The decrease in workers'  compensation expense for
1998 was generally attributable to a lower incidence of injuries during 1998, as
compared to 1997.

         Selling,  general  and  administrative  ("SG&A")  expenses  consist  of
compensation  and other  expenses  incident to the  operation  of the  Company's
headquarters  and the branch  offices and the  marketing of its  services.  SG&A
expenses  (excluding  the  amortization  of  intangibles)  for 1998  amounted to
$23,481,000,  a decrease of $530,000 or 2.2% from 1997. SG&A expenses  expressed
as a percentage of revenues also  decreased from 7.9% for 1997 to 7.8% for 1998.
The  decrease  in  total  SG&A   expenses  for  1998  from  1997  was  primarily
attributable to lower management payroll and bad debt expense.  During the first
quarter of 1998,  management  implemented  specific performance criteria for all
branch  offices to align  operating  expenses  more closely with growth in gross
margin  dollars  rather than growth in revenues.  For 1998,  improvement in SG&A
expense  was  achieved by reducing  SG&A  expenses as a percent of gross  margin
dollars  from  76.4%  in 1997 to 73.3% in  1998.  Management  believes  that its
zone-management  practices and tighter  operating  controls  implemented in 1998
have enhanced the  Company's  ability to more  effectively  manage its operating
costs.

         Amortization  of  intangibles  totaled  $1,316,000  for 1998 or 0.4% of
revenues, which compares to $1,332,000 or 0.4% of revenues for 1997.

         The Company's effective income tax rate for 1998 was 43.3%, as compared
to 37.9% for 1997. The increase in the effective rate was primarily attributable
to  the   nondeductibility  of  certain  merger  expenses  and  an  increase  in
nondeductible amortization expense.

         The Company  offers  various  qualified  employee  benefit plans to its
employees,  including its worksite  employees.  These qualified employee benefit
plans  include a savings plan (the "401(k)  plan") under  Section  401(k) of the
Internal  Revenue Code (the "Code"),  a cafeteria plan under Code Section 125, a
group health plan, a group life  insurance  plan, a group  disability  insurance
plan and an employee  assistance  plan.  Generally,  qualified  employee benefit
plans are subject to  provisions  of both the Code and the  Employee  Retirement
Income  Security Act of 1974  ("ERISA").  In order to qualify for  favorable tax
treatment under the Code,  qualified plans must be established and maintained by
an employer for the exclusive benefit of its employees.

         A definitive judicial  interpretation of "employer" in the context of a
PEO arrangement has not been established. The tax-exempt status of the Company's
401(k) plan and cafeteria plan is subject to continuing scrutiny and approval by
the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") and depends upon the Company's  ability
to establish the Company's  employer-employee  relationship  with PEO employees.
The issue of whether  the  Company's  tax-qualified  benefit  plans can  legally
include  worksite  employees under their coverage has not yet been resolved.  If
the  worksite  employees  cannot be  covered by the  plans,  then the  exclusive
benefit  requirement  imposed  by the  Code  would  not be met by the  plans  as
currently administered and the plans could be disqualified.

         The IRS has established a Market Segment Study Group regarding Employee
Leasing for the stated purpose of examining  whether PEOs,  such as the Company,
are the employers of worksite employees under the Code provisions  applicable to
employee benefit plans and are,  therefore,  able to offer to worksite employees
benefit plans that qualify for favorable tax  treatment.  The IRS Study Group is
reportedly also examining  whether the owners of client  companies are employees
of PEO companies under Code provisions  applicable to employee benefit plans. To
the best of the  Company's  knowledge,  the Market  Segment  Study Group has not
issued a report.


                                       19
<PAGE>

         A PEO company  headquartered  in Texas stated publicly over three years
ago that the IRS National Office was being requested by the IRS Houston District
to issue a Technical  Advice  Memorandum  ("TAM") on the PEO  worksite  employee
issue in  connection  with an ongoing  audit of a plan of the Texas PEO company.
The stated  purpose  of TAMs is to help IRS  personnel  in closing  cases and to
establish and maintain consistent holdings.  The IRS's position is that TAMs are
not precedential;  that is, they are limited to the particular taxpayer involved
and that taxpayer's set of facts.

         The draft  request  for a TAM by the IRS  Houston  District  reportedly
stated its  determination  that the Texas PEO company's Code Section 401(k) plan
should be  disqualified  for the reason,  among others,  that it covers worksite
employees who are not employees of the PEO company.

         The timing and nature of the issuance and contents of any TAM regarding
the  worksite  employee  issue or any report of the Market  Segment  Study Group
regarding  Employee  Leasing is unknown at this time. There has also been public
discussion  for the past  several  years of the  possibility  that the  Treasury
Department may propose some form of  administrative  relief or that Congress may
provide legislative resolution or clarification regarding this issue.

         In the event the tax exempt status of the Company's  benefit plans were
to be discontinued and the benefit plans were to be  disqualified,  such actions
could  have a  material  adverse  effect on the  Company's  business,  financial
condition  and  results of  operations.  The  Company is not  presently  able to
predict the likelihood of  disqualification  nor the resulting range of loss, in
light of the lack of public direction from the IRS or Congress.

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
         Net income for 1997 amounted to $3,845,000, a decrease of $1,123,000 or
22.6% from 1996 net income of  $4,968,000.  The decrease in 1997 net income from
1996 was  primarily  due to a lower  gross  margin  percentage,  which  resulted
primarily  from increased  payroll costs as a percentage of revenues,  offset in
part by lower income taxes as a percentage  of revenues.  Diluted net income per
share for 1997 was $0.49 compared to $0.64 for 1996.

         Total 1997 revenues were $305,531,000, which represented an increase of
$73,579,000  or 31.7%  over 1996  revenues  of  $231,952,000.  The  increase  in
revenues over 1996 was  primarily  due to a 1997 internal  growth rate of 23.2%,
combined  with  the  effect  from  a full  year  of  operations  for  five  1996
acquisitions,  as well as from  two  acquisitions  in the  first  half of  1997.
Staffing  services  revenues  increased 35.6% over 1996 primarily as a result of
the growth in large contract  staffing and on-site  management  services and the
effect of a full year of  operations  for the 1996  acquisitions.  PEO  services
revenues  increased  26.7%  over  1996  due to the  effect  from a full  year of
operations  for the 1996  acquisitions.  Revenues from staffing  services,  as a
percent of total  revenues,  increased  in 1997 to 58.0% as compared to 56.4% of
total revenues in 1996.

         Gross margin for 1997 totaled $31,414,000,  representing an increase of
$4,735,000  or 17.7%  over  1996.  The gross  margin  rate of 10.3% of  revenues
represents  a 120 basis point  decline  from 1996 due  primarily to increases in
direct  payroll  costs as a percentage  of revenues.  Direct  payroll costs as a
percentage  of revenues  increased  primarily as a result of increased  business
activity in contract staffing and on-site management arrangements.

         The increase in direct  payroll  costs as a percentage of revenues from
76.1%  for  1996 to  77.3%  for 1997 was  primarily  attributable  to  increased
business  activity in contract  staffing  and on-site  management  arrangements,
which are typically higher volume, lower margin accounts.

         Workers'  compensation expense increased from 2.9% of revenues for 1996
to 3.0% of revenues for 1997.  The increase in the total number of injury claims
for 1997 over 1996 was due in large  part to a new  policy  implemented  in 1997
which records "first aid" type claims. Such claims 


                                       20
<PAGE>


totaled  276 for 1997 and were not  recorded in 1996.  The  increase in workers'
compensation expense for 1997 was generally  attributable to a moderately higher
incidence  of  injuries  during  1997,  as compared  to 1996,  and  management's
decision to (i) continue to increase the  Company's  accrual for future  adverse
loss  development of open claims and (ii) build an accrual for potential  future
catastrophic workers' compensation claims.

         Selling,  general and administrative  ("SG&A") expenses  (excluding the
amortization  of intangibles)  for 1997 amounted to $24,011,000,  an increase of
$5,477,000  or 29.6% over 1996.  SG&A  expenses  expressed  as a  percentage  of
revenues  decreased  from 8.0% for 1996 to 7.9% for 1997.  The increase in total
SG&A dollars for 1997 over 1996 was primarily attributable to incremental branch
office  expenses as a result of four  acquisitions  after  October 1, 1996,  the
opening of four new offices in 1996 and early 1997,  the addition of experienced
personnel at several offices to expand the Company's managerial resources and an
approximate  $700,000 increase in bad debt expense.  Two customers accounted for
over one-half of the increase in bad debt expense for 1997.

         Amortization  of  intangibles  totaled  $1,332,000 for 1997, or 0.4% of
revenues, which compares to $860,000 or 0.4% of revenues for 1996. The increased
amortization expense for 1997 was primarily attributable to amortization arising
from the four acquisitions made after October 1, 1996.

FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS
         The Company has historically  experienced  significant  fluctuations in
its quarterly operating results and expects such fluctuations to continue in the
future. The Company's operating results may fluctuate due to a number of factors
such as  seasonality,  wage  limits on  payroll  taxes,  claims  experience  for
workers' compensation, demand and competition for the Company's services and the
effect of acquisitions.  The Company's  revenue levels fluctuate from quarter to
quarter  primarily  due to the impact of  seasonality  on its staffing  services
business  and on  certain  of its PEO  clients  in the  agriculture  and  forest
products-related  industries. As a result, the Company may have greater revenues
and net income in the third and fourth  quarters  of its  fiscal  year.  Payroll
taxes and benefits  fluctuate with the level of direct payroll costs but tend to
represent a smaller percentage of revenues later in the Company's fiscal year as
federal and state  statutory wage limits for  unemployment  and social  security
taxes are exceeded by some employees.  Workers' compensation expense varies with
both the frequency and severity of workplace  injury  claims  reported  during a
quarter,  as well as adverse loss  development  of prior period  claims during a
subsequent quarter.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
         The  Company's  cash  position  of  $4,029,000  at  December  31,  1998
increased  $590,000  from  December 31, 1997.  The increase was primarily due to
$4,246,000 of cash provided by operating  activities,  offset by $1,627,000  for
the combined payments on credit-line  borrowings and long-term debt,  $1,077,000
used  for  the  purchase  of  property  and  equipment  and  $693,000  used  for
acquisitions.

         Net  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  for  1998  amounted  to
$4,246,000,  as  compared  to  $7,281,000  for  1997.  For  1998,  cash flow was
primarily  generated by net income and depreciation  and amortization  expenses,
offset in part by an increase of $856,000 in accounts  receivable and a decrease
of $788,000 in accrued  payroll and benefits.  For 1997, cash flow was primarily
generated by net income and  depreciation and  amortization  expenses,  together
with an increase of $2,180,000 in accrued payroll and benefits.

         Net cash used in investing  activities  totaled $1,679,000 for 1998, as
compared  to  $4,112,000  for  1997.   During  1998,  the  Company  had  capital
expenditures  of  $1,077,000  and paid $693,000 in cash for the purchase of BOLT
Staffing.  Approximately  $500,000 of the total capital expenditures was related
to  new  computer  hardware  and  software  for  the  Company's  new  management
information  system,  which will address all concerns  related to the "Year 2000
issue," as discussed in Item 1 under "Management  Information  System" and below
under "Year 2000 Readiness." During 1997, the 


                                       21
<PAGE>


Company paid  $2,227,000 in cash in connection with the HR Only and TLC Staffing
acquisitions and had capital expenditures of $1,497,000.  At March 30, 1999, the
Company had no material long-term capital commitments.

         Net cash used in  financing  activities  for 1998  totaled  $1,977,000,
which compares to $1,353,000 net cash used in financing activities for 1997. For
1998,  the principal use of cash for financing  activities was for repayments of
credit-line  borrowings  of $887,000  and  long-term  debt of  $740,000  and for
payment of $519,000 to a dissenting WIMI shareholder in connection with the WIMI
merger.  For 1997, the principal use of cash used in financing  activities arose
from the Company's  obligation to redeem 159,154 shares of its common stock at a
value of $2,824,984  pursuant to a Plan and Agreement of Reorganization  between
StaffAmerica,  Inc. and the Company. The cash used for this stock redemption was
offset in part by net proceeds  from the exercise of stock  options and warrants
totaling $757,000 and net proceeds from credit-line borrowings of $701,000.

         The Company  negotiated  an  amendment to its loan  agreement  with its
principal  bank,  effective  February 8, 1999, to increase the revolving  credit
facility by $2.0  million,  from $5.65 million to $7.65  million.  This facility
includes a  subfeature  for letters of credit,  as to which  approximately  $1.9
million was outstanding as of December 31, 1998. As such, the Company  currently
has  approximately  $5.7 million of unused  availability  on its line of credit.
There was no outstanding  balance on the revolving  credit  facility at December
31, 1998. See Note 7 of the Notes to Financial  Statements.  Management believes
that the credit facility and other potential sources of financing, together with
anticipated funds generated from operations, will be sufficient in the aggregate
to fund the Company's working capital needs for the foreseeable future.

         On February 26, 1999,  the  Company's  board of directors  authorized a
stock  repurchase  program to purchase up to 250,000  common shares from time to
time in open market purchases. Management anticipates that the capital necessary
to execute this program will be provided by existing cash balances.

INFLATION
         Inflation  generally has not been a significant factor in the Company's
operations  during the  periods  discussed  above.  The  Company  has taken into
account  the  impact  of  escalating  medical  and other  costs in  establishing
reserves for future expenses for self-insured workers' compensation claims.

YEAR 2000 READINESS
         The  Company  has  developed  a Year 2000 plan to ensure  its  internal
operational  readiness,  as well as  compliance  by the  Company's  key vendors.
Management's  plan is focused  on  evaluating  the  readiness  of the  Company's
mission-critical  applications software,  operating systems software,  hardware,
communications,  third-party interfaces,  facilities (typically  non-information
technology  systems) and key vendors.  This  evaluation  process  involves  four
phases: (1) identification of risks, (2) assessment of risks, (3) development of
remediation and contingency plans, and (4) testing and implementation.

         As the Company has previously reported,  management initiated a project
in mid-1997 to convert its  information  systems to new  technologies  which are
expected to enable the Company to more  effectively  accommodate its anticipated
growth.  This upgrade is anticipated to be completed in mid-1999 and is expected
to  alleviate  the Year 2000  issue for such  mission-critical  applications  as
payroll  processing and financial  reporting  systems.  The Company has incurred
capital expenditures of $2.2 million through December 31, 1998, for this project
and expects to incur  another $0.5 million  prior to  completion.  The remaining
mission-critical  application is a branch-level  legacy system which is expected
to require only minor  reprogramming by the Company's  internal staff during the
first half of 1999 at no incremental cost to the Company.


                                       22
<PAGE>

         Mission-critical applications are currently in a remediation or testing
phase.  Management is currently  uncertain as to the need for contingency  plans
for the Company's mission-critical  applications, as it expects these systems to
be fully operational by the third quarter of 1999.

         The    Company's    assessment   of   the   risks    associated    with
non-mission-critical  systems is incomplete but ongoing, and as such, management
cannot predict whether significant  problems will be identified,  and if so, the
costs to remediate such problems. In addition, management has not yet identified
any  reasonably  likely  worst  case  scenarios  or  determined  the  extent  of
contingency  planning that may be required.  Costs identified to date,  however,
have not been  material.  As part of its  assessment,  the Company is relying on
assurances  from key vendors that their  products and services will be Year 2000
compliant.

         The risks  associated  with the Year 2000  problem  are  pervasive  and
complex, can be difficult to identify and to address, and can result in material
adverse  consequences to the Company.  Even if the Company,  in a timely manner,
completes  all  of its  assessments,  identifies  and  tests  remediation  plans
believed to be adequate, and develops contingency plans believed to be adequate,
some  problems may not be  identified  or corrected in time to prevent  material
adverse  consequences  to the  Company.  Also,  the  Company's  business  may be
adversely  affected  by events  outside  its  control,  such as  disruptions  to
services provided by utilities,  banks or  transportation or  telecommunications
networks.


ITEM 7A.      QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

         No disclosure is required under this item.


ITEM 8.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
- ---------------------------------------------------------

         The financial  statements and notes thereto required by this item begin
on page F-1 of this report, as listed in Item 14.


ITEM 9.       CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
              FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
              --------------------

         None.


                                       23
<PAGE>

                                    PART III

ITEM 10.      INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
- -------------------------------------------------------------

         The information  required by Item 10, Directors and Executive  Officers
of the  Registrant,  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  the  Company's
definitive  Proxy Statement for the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders  ("Proxy
Statement"),  under the headings "Election of Directors" and "Stock Ownership by
Principal  Stockholders  and  Management--Section   16(a)  Beneficial  Ownership
Reporting  Compliance" or appears under the heading  "Executive  Officers of the
Registrant"  on page 13 of this  report.  The  information  required by Item 11,
Executive  Compensation,  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to the  Proxy
Statement,   under  the  headings  "Executive  Compensation"  and  "Election  of
Directors--Compensation  Committee  Interlocks and Insider  Participation."  The
information required by Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and  Management,  is  incorporated  herein by reference to the Proxy  Statement,
under   the   heading   "Stock   Ownership   by   Principal   Stockholders   and
Management--Beneficial  Ownership  Table." The information  required by Item 13,
Certain  Relationships  and  Related  Transactions,  is  incorporated  herein by
reference   to  the  Proxy   Statement,   under   the   heading   "Election   of
Directors--Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation."

                                       24
<PAGE>

                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.      EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
              FORM 8-K
              --------

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
The   Financial    Statements,    together   with   the   report    thereon   of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, are included on the pages indicated below:

                                                                           Page
                                                                           ----
 Report of Independent Accountants                                          F-1

 Balance Sheets - December 31, 1998 and 1997                                F-2

 Statements of Operations
  for the Years Ended December 31,
  1998, 1997 and 1996                                                       F-3

 Statements of Redeemable Common Stock and Nonredeemable
  Stockholders' Equity -  December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996                  F-4

 Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
  1998, 1997 and 1996                                                       F-5

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                 F-6

No schedules are required to be filed herewith.

REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended December 31, 1998.

EXHIBITS
Exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index that follows the  Financial  Statements
included  in this  report.  Each  management  contract or  compensatory  plan or
arrangement  required to be filed as an exhibit to this  report is listed  under
Item 10,  "Executive  Compensation  Plans and  Arrangements and Other Management
Contracts" in the Exhibit Index.


                                       25
<PAGE>

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the  requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934,  the  Registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
- -------------------------------
Registrant

Date:  March 30, 1999                By:  /s/  William W. Sherertz
                                          ----------------------------
                                          William W. Sherertz
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following  persons on behalf of the  Registrant and
in the capacities indicated on the 30th day of March, 1999.

Principal Executive Officer and Director:

/s/ William W. Sherertz               President and Chief Executive Officer
William W. Sherertz                   and Director

Principal Financial Officer:

/s/ Michael D. Mulholland             Vice President-Finance and Secretary
Michael D. Mulholland

Principal Accounting Officer:

/s/ James D. Miller                   Controller and Assistant Secretary
James D. Miller

Other Directors:

* ROBERT R. AMES                      Director

* HERBERT L. HOCHBERG                 Director

* ANTHONY MEEKER                      Director

* STANLEY G. RENECKER                 Director

* NANCY B. SHERERTZ                   Director

* By     /s/ Michael D. Mulholland
         Michael D. Mulholland
         Attorney-in-Fact


                                       26
<PAGE>
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
Barrett Business Services, Inc.


In our opinion,  the accompanying  balance sheets and the related  statements of
operations,  of redeemable common stock and nonredeemable  stockholders'  equity
and of cash flows  present  fairly,  in all  material  respects,  the  financial
position of Barrett Business  Services,  Inc. at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and
the results of its  operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended  December 31,  1998,  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted
accounting principles.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's  management;  our  responsibility  is to  express  an opinion on these
financial  statements  based on our  audits.  We  conducted  our audits of these
statements  in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable  assurance about
whether the financial  statements  are free of material  misstatement.  An audit
includes  examining,  on a test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and
disclosures in the financial  statements,  assessing the  accounting  principles
used and  significant  estimates made by management,  and evaluating the overall
financial  statement  presentation.   We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.





PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Portland, Oregon
February 8, 1999, except as to Note 16, which is 
  as of February 15, 1999

                                       F-1

<PAGE>

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<TABLE>
(in thousands, except par value)
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>  
                                                                  1998         1997
                                                                ---------   -----------
                                     ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                                    $  4,029      $  3,439
   Trade accounts receivable, net                                 21,907        21,051
   Prepaid expenses and other                                      1,103         1,231
   Deferred tax assets (Note 12)                                   1,857         1,895
                                                                ---------     ---------
     Total current assets                                         28,896        27,616

   Intangibles, net (Note 4)                                      11,508        12,133
   Property and equipment, net (Notes 5 and 8)                     5,184         4,574
   Restricted marketable securities and workers'
      compensation deposits (Note 6)                               6,004         6,095
   Deferred tax assets (Note 12)                                     552           191
   Other assets                                                      626           206
                                                                ---------     ---------
                                                                $ 52,770      $ 50,815
                                                                =========     =========


                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
   Current portion of long-term debt (Note 8)                   $     61      $    731
   Line of credit payable (Note 7)                                     -           887
   Income taxes payable (Note 12)                                    438             -
   Accounts payable                                                  948         1,136
   Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits             9,246        10,034
   Accrued workers' compensation claim liabilities (Note 6)        3,244         3,140
   Customer safety incentives payable                              1,173         1,073
   Other accrued liabilities                                         514           414
                                                                ---------     ---------
     Total current liabilities                                    15,624        17,415

Long-term debt, net of current portion (Note 8)                      503           573
Customer deposits                                                    829           934
Long-term workers' compensation claim liabilities (Note 6)           714           632
Other long-term liabilities (Note 2)                               1,398         1,030
                                                                ---------     ---------
                                                                  19,068        20,584
                                                                ---------     ---------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 9, 10 and 14)

Stockholders' equity:
   Common stock, $.01 par value; 20,500 shares authorized,
      7,676 and 7,638 shares issued and outstanding (Note 13          77            76
   Additional paid-in capital                                     11,409        11,760
   Retained earnings                                              22,216        18,395
                                                                ---------     ---------
                                                                  33,702        30,231
                                                                ---------     ---------
                                                                $ 52,770      $ 50,815
                                                                =========     =========
</TABLE>


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                      F-2
<PAGE>


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(in thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                           1998        1997         1996
                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------

Revenues:
   Staffing services                                   $ 165,443    $ 177,263    $ 130,746
   Professional employer services                        137,586      128,268      101,206
                                                       ----------   ---------    ----------
                                                         303,029      305,531      231,952
                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
Cost of revenues:
   Direct payroll costs                                  235,265      236,307      176,686
   Payroll taxes and benefits                             25,550       27,226       20,414
   Workers' compensation (Note 6)                          8,670        9,075        6,641
   Safety incentives                                       1,520        1,509        1,532
                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                         271,005      274,117      205,273
                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
Gross margin                                              32,024       31,414       26,679

Selling, general and administrative expenses              23,481       24,011       18,534
Merger expenses                                              750            -            -
Amortization of intangibles (Note 4)                       1,316        1,332          860
                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
Income from operations                                     6,477        6,071        7,285
                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
Other (expense) income:
   Interest expense                                         (173)        (247)        (122)
   Interest income                                           441          362          554
   Other, net                                                 (1)           1            -
                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                             267          116          432
                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
Income before provision for income taxes                   6,744        6,187        7,717

Provision for income taxes (Note 12)                       2,923        2,342        2,749
                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
Net income                                             $   3,821    $   3,845    $   4,968
                                                       ==========   ==========   ==========
Basic earnings per share                               $     .50    $     .50    $     .65
                                                       ==========   ==========   ==========
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding        7,664        7,646        7,602
                                                       ==========   ==========   ==========
Diluted earnings per share                             $     .50    $     .49    $     .64
                                                       ==========   ==========   ==========
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding      7,711        7,780        7,823
                                                       ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                      F-3
<PAGE>


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK AND
NONREDEEMABLE STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>          <C>
                                                                        NONREDEEMABLE STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                                             --------------------------------------------------------
                                          REDEEMABLE
                                         COMMON STOCK          COMMON STOCK      ADDITIONAL
                                       -----------------      ----------------     PAID-IN     RETAINED
                                       SHARES     AMOUNT     SHARES     AMOUNT     CAPITAL     EARNINGS       TOTAL
                                       -------   -------     -------    -------  ----------    --------     --------
Balance, December 31, 1995                   -   $   -         7,436     $   75  $   10,482    $  9,582     $ 20,139

Common stock issued for acquisitions       159      2,825         20          -         380           -          380
Common stock issued on exercise
  of options, net                            -          -         54          -         112           -          112
Net income                                   -          -          -          -           -       4,968        4,968
Contributions of capital                     -          -         10          -          30           -           30
                                       -------    -------    -------     ------  ----------    --------     --------
Balance, December 31, 1996                 159      2,825      7,520         75      11,004      14,550       25,629

Common stock issued on exercise
  of options and warrants, net               -          -        118          1         756           -          757
Redemption of redeemable common
  stock                                   (159)    (2,825)         -          -           -           -            -
Net income                                   -          -          -          -           -       3,845        3,845
                                       -------    -------    -------    -------  ----------    --------     --------
Balance, December 31, 1997                   -          -      7,638         76      11,760      18,395       30,231

Common stock issued on exercise
  of options and warrants, net               -          -         38          1         168           -          169

Distribution to dissenting shareholder
  in connection with merger (Note 2)         -          -          -          -        (519)          -         (519)
Net income                                   -          -          -          -           -       3,821        3,821
                                       -------    -------    -------     ------  -----------   --------     --------
Balance, December 31, 1998                   -    $     -      7,676     $   77  $   11,409    $ 22,216     $ 33,702
                                       =======    =======    =======     ======  ==========    ========     ========
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                      F-4

<PAGE>


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>        <C>         <C>

                                                                    1998       1997       1996
                                                                 ---------- ----------  ---------
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income                                                    $  3,821   $  3,845    $ 4,968
   Reconciliations of net income to net cash provided
     by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization                                  1,785      1,765      1,189
     Deferred taxes                                                  (323)      (727)      (422)
     Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of amounts
       purchased in acquisitions:
     Trade accounts receivable, net                                  (856)      (332)    (5,824)
       Prepaid expenses and other                                     128       (179)      (513)
       Income taxes payable                                           438          -          -
       Accounts payable                                              (188)        73        125
       Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and related benefits           (788)     2,180      1,903
       Other accrued liabilities                                      100       (316)       606
       Accrued workers' compensation claim liabilities                104        900        148
       Customer safety incentives payable                             100         58        239
       Customer deposits, other liabilities and other assets, net    (443)       (16)      (181)
       Other long-term liabilities                                    368         30          -
                                                                 ---------  ---------   --------
Net cash provided by operating activities                           4,246      7,281      2,238
                                                                 ---------  ---------   --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
   Cash paid for acquisitions, including other direct costs          (693)    (2,227)    (1,519)
   Purchase of property and equipment, net of amounts purchased
     in acquisitions                                               (1,077)    (1,497)    (1,390)
   Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities                5,532      5,343      7,025
   Purchase of marketable securities                               (5,441)    (5,731)    (8,051)
                                                                 ---------  ---------   --------
Net cash used in investing activities                              (1,679)    (4,112)    (3,935)
                                                                 ---------  ---------   --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
   Payment of credit line assumed in acquisition                        -       (401)         -
   Net (payments on) proceeds from credit-line borrowings            (887)       701       (188)
   Note receivable                                                      -        324          -
   Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                             -        180        284
   Payments on long-term debt                                        (740)       (89)       (34)
   Distribution to dissenting shareholder                            (519)         -          -
   Redemption of common stock                                           -     (2,825)         -
   Contribution of capital                                              -          -         30
   Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants           169        757        112
                                                                 ---------  ---------   --------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities                (1,977)    (1,353)       204
                                                                 ---------  ---------   --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                  590      1,816     (1,493)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                        3,439      1,623      3,116
                                                                 ---------  ---------   --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                           $  4,029   $  3,439    $ 1,623
                                                                 =========  ========    ========
Supplemental schedule of noncash activities:
   Acquisition of other businesses:
     Cost of acquisitions in excess of fair market value of
       net assets acquired                                       $    683   $  3,160    $ 4,337
     Tangible assets acquired                                          10        674        494
     Liabilities assumed                                                -      1,607        107
     Common stock issued in connection with acquisitions                -          -      3,205

</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                      F-5

<PAGE>

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


1.   SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     NATURE OF OPERATIONS
     Barrett Business Services,  Inc.  ("Barrett" or "the Company"),  a Maryland
     corporation,  is engaged in providing  staffing and  professional  employer
     services to a  diversified  group of customers  through a network of branch
     offices  throughout  Oregon,  Washington,  Idaho,  California,  Arizona and
     Maryland.  Approximately 46%, 49% and 61%,  respectively,  of the Company's
     revenues  during  1998,  1997,  and 1996 were  attributable  to its  Oregon
     operations.  On June 29, 1998, the Company  merged with Western  Industrial
     Management,  Inc. and Catch 55, Inc. (collectively "WIMI"). The transaction
     was  accounted  for  as  a  pooling-of-interests   pursuant  to  Accounting
     Principles  Board ("APB")  Opinion No. 16 and,  accordingly,  the Company's
     financial  statements  have been  restated  for all prior  periods  to give
     effect to the merger, as more fully described in Note 2.

     REVENUE RECOGNITION
     The Company  recognizes revenue as services are rendered by its work force.
     Staffing services are engaged by customers to meet short-term and long-term
     personnel  needs.  Professional  employer  services  are  normally  used by
     organizations  to  satisfy  ongoing  human  resource  management  needs and
     typically  involve  contracts  with a minimum  term of one year,  renewable
     annually, which cover all employees at a particular work site.

     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
     The  Company  considers  nonrestricted  short-term  investments,  which are
     highly liquid,  readily convertible into cash, and have original maturities
     of less  than  three  months to be cash  equivalents  for  purposes  of the
     statements of cash flows.

     ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
     The Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $262,000 and $575,000
     at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

     MARKETABLE SECURITIES
     At December 31, 1998 and 1997, marketable securities consisted primarily of
     governmental debt instruments with maturities  generally from 90 days to 30
     years  (see  Note 6).  Marketable  equity  and debt  securities  have  been
     categorized as  held-to-maturity  and, as a result, are stated at amortized
     cost.  Realized  gains and  losses on sales of  marketable  securities  are
     included  in  other  (expense)  income  on  the  Company's   statements  of
     operations.

     INTANGIBLES
     Intangible  assets  consist  primarily of  identifiable  intangible  assets
     acquired  and the cost of  acquisition  in excess of the fair  value of net
     assets acquired  ("goodwill").  Intangible  assets acquired are recorded at
     their estimated fair value at the acquisition date.

     The Company uses a 15-year  estimate as the useful life of  goodwill.  This
     life  is  based  on an  analysis  of  industry  practice  and  the  factors
     influencing the acquisition decision. Other intangible assets are amortized
     on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from
     2 to 15 years. (See Note 4.)

                                       F-6
<PAGE>


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.   SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

     INTANGIBLES (CONTINUED)
     The Company reviews for asset impairment at the end of each quarter or more
     frequently  when  events or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that the
     carrying  amount of intangible  assets may not be  recoverable.  To perform
     that review, the Company estimates the sum of expected future  undiscounted
     net cash flows from the intangible  assets. If the estimated net cash flows
     are less than the  carrying  amount of the  intangible  asset,  the Company
     recognizes  an  impairment  loss in an amount  necessary  to write down the
     intangible  asset  to a fair  value  as  determined  from  expected  future
     discounted  cash flows.  No write-down for impairment loss was recorded for
     the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.

     PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
     Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and
     repairs are charged to operating expense as incurred,  and expenditures for
     additions  and  betterments  are  capitalized.  The cost of assets  sold or
     otherwise  disposed  of  and  the  related  accumulated   depreciation  are
     eliminated  from the accounts,  and any resulting gain or loss is reflected
     in the statements of operations.

     Depreciation   of  property  and  equipment  is  calculated   using  either
     straight-line  or accelerated  methods over estimated  useful lives,  which
     range from 3 years to 31.5 years.

     CUSTOMER SAFETY INCENTIVES PAYABLE
     Safety  incentives  are paid  annually to  professional  employer  services
     clients if the cost of  workers'  compensation  claims is less than  agreed
     upon  amounts;  amounts  paid are based on a  percentage  of  payroll.  The
     Company accrues the amounts payable under this program on a monthly basis.

     CUSTOMER DEPOSITS
     The Company requires deposits from certain  professional  employer services
     customers  to cover a  portion  of its  accounts  receivable  due from such
     customers in the event of default of payment.

     STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
     The Company has recorded the following non-cash transactions:

     Interest  paid during 1998,  1997 and 1996 did not  materially  differ from
     interest expense.

     Income taxes paid by the Company in 1998, 1997 and 1996 totaled $2,623,000,
     $3,224,000 and $2,953,000, respectively.

     NET INCOME PER SHARE
     The Company adopted Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")
     No. 128,  "Earnings per Share",  for the year ended December 31, 1997. SFAS
     No. 128 requires  disclosure of basic and diluted  earnings per share.  All
     prior years have been  restated  to reflect  the  adoption of SFAS No. 128.
     Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted  average number
     of common  shares  outstanding  for each year.  Diluted  earnings per share
     reflect the potential  effects of the exercise of outstanding stock options
     and warrants.

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


1.   SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

     RECLASSIFICATIONS
     Certain prior year amounts have been  reclassified to conform with the 1998
     presentation.  Such  reclassifications  had  no  impact  on net  income  or
     stockholders' equity.

     ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
     The  preparation of the Company's  financial  statements in conformity with
     generally  accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make
     estimates and  assumptions  that affect the reported  amounts of assets and
     liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
     of the  financial  statements  and the  reported  amounts of  revenues  and
     expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those
     estimates.


2.   BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

     STAFFAMERICA, INC.
     On April 1, 1996, the Company  acquired  certain assets and the business of
     StaffAmerica,  Inc.,  pursuant to a Plan and  Agreement of  Reorganization.
     StaffAmerica  provided both temporary  staffing and staff leasing  services
     through its two offices located in Goleta and Oxnard,  California. In 1995,
     StaffAmerica  had revenues of approximately  $6.7 million.  In exchange for
     the StaffAmerica assets and business operations, the Company issued 157,464
     shares of its common stock  valued at  $2,795,000,  assumed a  StaffAmerica
     liability  of  $50,000  for  customer  deposits,  issued to each of the two
     owners  of  StaffAmerica  845  shares  of  Company  common  stock for their
     covenants  not to compete,  and  incurred  $102,000 in  acquisition-related
     costs.  The  acquisition  was  accounted  for under the purchase  method of
     accounting, which resulted in $2,597,000 of intangible assets, a promissory
     note  receivable of $324,000 from the seller,  and $56,000 in fixed assets.
     The $324,000 promissory note was repaid to the Company during 1997.

     On April 11, 1997,  pursuant to the Plan and  Agreement  of  Reorganization
     between  StaffAmerica,  Inc. and the Company,  the Company repurchased from
     StaffAmerica  and its two  shareholders  all 159,154 shares of common stock
     previously issued by the Company as consideration for the acquisition,  for
     a total of  $2,824,984  or $17.75 per share.  Upon  completion of the share
     repurchase, the Company canceled the shares of common stock.

     JOBWORKS AGENCY, INC.
     On April 8, 1996, the Company  acquired  certain assets and the business of
     JobWorks  Agency,  Inc.  ("JobWorks")  by way of a Plan  and  Agreement  of
     Reorganization. JobWorks provided both temporary staffing and staff leasing
     services  through  its two  offices  located in Hood River and The  Dalles,
     Oregon.  JobWorks had revenues of approximately $1.2 million (unaudited) in
     1995. The Company issued 20,446 shares of its common stock with a then-fair
     value of  $380,000  for the  assets and  business  of  JobWorks,  assumed a
     customer   deposit   liability   of  $2,000,   and   incurred   $14,000  in
     acquisition-related costs. The Company paid $20,000 in cash for the selling
     shareholder's noncompete agreement. The acquisition was accounted for under
     the purchase method of accounting, which resulted in $324,000 of intangible
     assets, $72,000 in accounts receivable, and $20,000 in fixed assets.

                                      F-8

<PAGE>


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.   BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (CONTINUED)

     CASCADE TECHNICAL STAFFING
     Effective  August 26, 1996, the Company  acquired certain assets of Cascade
     Technical  Staffing  ("Cascade").  Cascade  provided  technical  and  light
     industrial staffing services primarily in the electronics  industry through
     its Beaverton,  Oregon office.  Cascade had revenues of approximately  $3.5
     million  (unaudited)  in 1995.  The Company  paid  $550,000 in cash for the
     assets and incurred $6,000 in  acquisition-related  costs.  The acquisition
     was accounted for under the purchase  method of accounting,  which resulted
     in $536,000 of intangible assets and $20,000 of fixed assets.

     CALIFORNIA EMPLOYER SERVICES, INC.
     Effective  November  4,  1996,  the  Company  purchased  the staff  leasing
     division of California  Employer Services,  Inc. ("CES"), an Orange County,
     California  staffing  services  company.  The CES  division had revenues of
     approximately $10.5 million (unaudited) for the fiscal year ended September
     30, 1996.  The Company paid  $624,000 in cash for the  division,  assumed a
     customer   deposit   liability  of  $36,000,   and   incurred   $25,000  in
     acquisition-related  costs.  The  transaction  was  accounted for under the
     purchase  method of  accounting,  which  resulted in $685,000 of intangible
     assets.

     PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL, INC.
     Effective  November  25,  1996,  the Company  purchased  certain  assets of
     Professional Personnel,  Inc. ("PPI"), a provider of staff leasing services
     located in Downey,  California.  PPI had  revenues  of  approximately  $2.4
     million (unaudited) for the year ended September 30, 1996. The Company paid
     $176,000 in cash for certain assets,  assumed a customer deposit  liability
     of  $19,000,  and  incurred  $2,000  in   acquisition-related   costs.  The
     transaction  was  accounted  for under the purchase  method of  accounting,
     which resulted in $195,000 of intangible assets and $2,000 of fixed assets.

     HR ONLY
     Effective  February 1, 1997, the Company acquired D&L Personnel  Department
     Specialists,   Inc.,  dba  HR  Only,  a  staffing  services  company  which
     specializes  in human resource  professionals,  with offices in Los Angeles
     and Garden Grove,  California.  The Company paid $1,800,000 in cash for all
     of the  outstanding  common  stock  of HR Only and  $1,200,000  in cash for
     noncompete  agreements with certain  individuals,  of which  $1,000,000 was
     deferred with simple interest at 5% per annum for five years and then to be
     paid ratably over the succeeding  five-year period. The deferred portion of
     the  noncompete  agreement  is  presented  on the  balance  sheet  in other
     long-term liabilities. HR Only's revenues for the fiscal year ended January
     31, 1997 were  approximately $4.3 million (audited).  The  transaction  was
     accounted for under the purchase  method of  accounting,  which resulted in
     $3,027,000 of intangible assets,  including $92,000 for acquisition-related
     costs, and $65,000 of net tangible assets.

     TLC STAFFING
     Effective  April 13,  1997,  the Company  purchased  certain  assets of JRL
     Services,  Inc., dba TLC Staffing, a provider of clerical staffing services
     located in Tucson,  Arizona.  TLC Staffing  had  revenues of  approximately
     $800,000 (unaudited) for the year ended December 31, 1996. The Company paid
     $150,000 in cash for the assets,  assumed an $18,000 office lease liability
     and incurred  $4,000 in acquisition  related  costs.  The  transaction  was
     accounted for under the purchase  method of  accounting,  which resulted in
     $152,000 of intangible assets and $2,000 of fixed assets.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.   BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (CONTINUED)

     BOLT STAFFING
     On April 13, 1998,  the Company  acquired  certain  assets of BOLT Staffing
     Services,  Inc.,  a provider of  staffing  services  located in  Pocatello,
     Idaho. BOLT Staffing had revenues of approximately $2.4 million (unaudited)
     for the year ended December 31, 1997. The Company paid $675,000 in cash for
     the  assets,   assumed  a  $6,000  office  lease   liability  and  incurred
     approximately  $18,000 in acquisition  related costs.  The  transaction was
     accounted for under the purchase  method of  accounting,  which resulted in
     $683,000 of intangible assets and $10,000 of fixed assets.

     PRO FORMA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
     The operating results of each of the above acquisitions are included in the
     Company's  results of operations  from the respective  date of acquisition.
     The following unaudited summary presents the combined results of operations
     as if the HR Only  and  BOLT  Staffing  acquisitions  had  occurred  at the
     beginning  of 1997,  after  giving  effect to certain  adjustments  for the
     amortization of intangible assets,  taxation and cost of capital. The other
     acquisitions  made since  January 1, 1997 are not included in the pro forma
     information as their effect is not material.

       (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                     Year ended December 31,
                                                      1998            1997
                                                    ----------     ----------

       Revenue                                      $  303,829     $  308,289
                                                    ----------     ----------
       Net income                                   $    3,852     $    3,975
                                                    ----------     ----------
       Basic earnings per share                     $      .50     $      .52
                                                    ----------     ----------
       Diluted earnings per share                   $      .50     $      .51
                                                    ----------     ----------

     The unaudited  pro forma  results above have been prepared for  comparative
     purposes  only and do not  purport  to be  indicative  of what  would  have
     occurred  had the  acquisitions  been made as of  January  1,  1997,  or of
     results which may occur in the future.

     WESTERN INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
     On June 29, 1998,  the Company  completed a merger with WIMI,  whereby WIMI
     was merged directly with and into Barrett.  The transaction  qualified as a
     tax-free merger and has been accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.  As a
     result of the merger,  the former  shareholders of WIMI received a total of
     894,642 shares of the Company's common stock,  which included 10,497 shares
     issued in exchange for real property consisting of an office condominium in
     which WIMI's main office is located. A dissenting WIMI shareholder received
     cash in the amount of $519,095,  based on the value of $11.375 per share of
     Barrett's common stock. WIMI was a privately-held staffing services company
     headquartered in San Bernardino, California.

                                      F-10

<PAGE>


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.   BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (CONTINUED)

     PRO FORMA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
     Separate results of operations for the periods prior to the merger with the
     Company are as follows:

       (in thousands)
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  1997           1996
                                               -----------    -----------
       Revenues:
        Barrett                                $ 281,006      $  213,926
        WIMI                                      24,525          18,026
                                               ----------     -----------
       Combined                                $ 305,531      $  231,952
                                               ==========    ============

       Net income (loss):
        Barrett                                $   3,825      $    5,036
        WIMI                                          20             (68)
                                               ----------     -----------
       Combined                                $   3,845      $    4,968
                                               ==========     ===========

       Other changes in redeemable
        common stock and nonredeemable
        stockholders' equity:
         Barrett                               $  (2,068)     $    3,317
         WIMI                                          -              30
                                               ----------     -----------
       Combined                                $  (2,068)     $    3,347
                                               ==========     ===========

3.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

     All of the Company's  significant  financial  instruments are recognized in
     its balance sheet.  Carrying values  approximate  fair market value of most
     financial  assets  and  liabilities.  The  fair  market  value  of  certain
     financial instruments was estimated as follows:

     -   Marketable securities - Marketable securities primarily consist of U.S.
         Treasury bills and municipal bonds. The interest rates on the Company's
         marketable  security  investments  approximate current market rates for
         these  types  of  investments;  therefore,  the  recorded  value of the
         marketable securities approximates fair market value.

     -   Long-term  debt - The interest  rates on the Company's  long-term  debt
         approximate  current market rates, based upon similar  obligations with
         like  maturities;  therefore,  the  recorded  value of  long-term  debt
         approximates the fair market value.

     Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration
     of credit risk consist primarily of temporary cash investments,  marketable
     securities and trade accounts receivable.  The Company restricts investment
     of  temporary  cash  investments  and  marketable  securities  to financial
     institutions  with high credit ratings and to  investments in  governmental
     debt instruments. Credit risk on trade receivables is minimized as a result
     of the large and diverse nature of the Company's customer base. At December
     31,  1998,  the Company had  significant  concentrations  of credit risk as
     follows:

     -   Marketable securities - $2,585,000 of marketable securities at December
         31, 1998 consisted of Oregon State Housing & Community Service Bonds.

                                      F-11
<PAGE>

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
      (CONTINUED)

     -   Trade  receivables  -  $1,483,000  of trade  receivables  were with two
         customers at December 31, 1998 (7% of trade receivables  outstanding at
         December 31, 1998).


4.   INTANGIBLES

     Intangibles consist of the following (in thousands):


                                                1998           1997
                                             ------------  ------------
       Covenants not to compete              $     3,484   $     3,469
       Goodwill                                   13,595        12,925
       Customer lists                                358           358
                                             ------------  ------------
                                                  17,437        16,752
       Less accumulated amortization               5,929         4,619
                                             ------------  ------------
                                             $    11,508   $    12,133
                                             ============  ============



5.   PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

     Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

                                                1998           1997
                                             ------------   -----------

       Office furniture and fixtures         $     3,032    $    2,899
       Computer hardware and software              2,225         1,820
       Buildings                                   1,463         1,441
       Vehicles                                       34            55
                                             ------------   -----------
                                                   6,754         6,215

       Less accumulated depreciation               1,878         1,949
                                             ------------   -----------
                                                   4,876         4,266

       Land                                          308           308
                                             ------------   -----------
                                             $     5,184    $    4,574
                                             ============   ===========

6.   ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIM LIABILITIES

     In August 1987, the Company became a self-insured  employer with respect to
     workers'  compensation  coverage for all its employees working or living in
     Oregon.  The  Company  also became a  self-insured  employer  for  workers'
     compensation  coverage in the states of Maryland  effective  November 1993,
     Washington  effective  July  1994,  Delaware  effective  January  1995  and
     California  effective  March 1995.  Effective  May 1995,  the Company  also
     became self-insured for workers' compensation purposes by the United States
     Department of Labor for longshore and harbor ("USL&H") workers' coverage.

                                      F-12

<PAGE>

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6.   ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIM LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)

     The Company has provided $3,958,000 and $3,772,000 at December 31, 1998 and
     1997,  respectively,  as an  estimated  liability  for  unsettled  workers'
     compensation claims. This estimated liability represents  management's best
     estimate which includes,  in part, an evaluation of information provided by
     the  Company's  third-party  administrators  and its  independent  actuary.
     Included in the claims  liabilities are case reserve estimates for reported
     losses,  plus additional  amounts based on projections for incurred but not
     reported  claims,  anticipated  increases  in case  reserve  estimates  and
     additional claims administration  expenses. These estimates are continually
     reviewed and adjustments to liabilities are reflected in current operations
     as they become  known.  The Company  believes that the  difference  between
     amounts  recorded for its  estimated  liability  and the possible  range of
     costs of settling  related claims is not material to results of operations;
     nevertheless, it is reasonably possible that adjustments required in future
     periods may be material to results of operations.

     Liabilities  incurred for  work-related  employee  fatalities  are recorded
     either at an agreed lump-sum  settlement amount or the net present value of
     future fixed and  determinable  payments  over the  actuarially  determined
     remaining life of the beneficiary, discounted at a rate that approximates a
     long-term,  high-quality  corporate  bond rate.  The Company  has  obtained
     excess workers' compensation insurance to limit its self-insurance exposure
     to $350,000 per  occurrence in all states,  except  $500,000 per occurrence
     for USL&H exposure.  The excess insurance provides unlimited coverage above
     the aforementioned exposures.

     At December 31, 1998, the Company's  long-term workers'  compensation claim
     liabilities  in  the  accompanying  balance  sheet  includes  $714,000  for
     work-related   catastrophic   injuries  and   fatalities.   The   aggregate
     undiscounted pay-out amount of the catastrophic  injuries and fatalities is
     $1,655,000. The actuarially determined pay-out periods to the beneficiaries
     ranges  from  eight  years to 43 years.  As a result,  the  five-year  cash
     requirements related to these claims are immaterial.

     The  workers'  compensation  expense  in  the  accompanying  statements  of
     operations   consists  of   $7,460,000,   $8,099,000   and  $5,799,000  for
     self-insurance expense for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.  Premiums for
     insured  operations were  $1,210,000,  $976,000 and $842,000 for 1998, 1997
     and 1996, respectively.

     The United States  Department of Labor and the states of Oregon,  Maryland,
     Washington,  and  California  require  the  Company to  maintain  specified
     investment balances or other financial instruments,  totaling $7,651,000 at
     December 31, 1998 and  $7,698,000 at December 31, 1997, to cover  potential
     claims losses. In partial  satisfaction of these requirements,  at December
     31,  1998,  the  Company  has  provided  letters of credit in the amount of
     $1,572,000 and surety bonds totaling $457,000. The investments are included
     in restricted  marketable  securities and workers' compensation deposits in
     the accompanying balance sheets.

                                  F-13

<PAGE>

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7.   CREDIT FACILITY

     Effective  May 31, 1998, the Company  renegotiated  its loan agreement (the
     "Agreement")  with a  major  bank,  which  provides  for  (a) an  unsecured
     revolving  credit  facility for working capital  purposes,  (b) a term real
     estate loan (Note 8) and (c) standby letters of credit totaling $1,908,000,
     in connection with certain workers'  compensation surety arrangements.  The
     Agreement  expires on May 31, 1999 and permits  total  borrowings  of up to
     $4,000,000  under  the  revolving  credit  facility.   The  interest  rates
     available on  outstanding  balances  under the  revolving  credit  facility
     include Prime Rate,  Federal Funds Rate plus 1.75%, or Adjusted  Eurodollar
     Rate plus 1.25%. Under the Agreement, the Company is required to maintain a
     zero  outstanding  balance  against the  revolving  credit  facility  for a
     minimum of 30 consecutive days during each year. The pledging of any of the
     Company's assets,  other than existing  mortgages on its real property,  is
     limited to a pro rata basis with any other lender.

     During the year ended  December 31, 1998, the maximum  balance  outstanding
     under the revolving  credit  facility was  $1,971,000,  the average balance
     outstanding was $773,000, and the weighted average interest rate during the
     period  was 7.3%.  The  weighted  average  interest  rate  during  1998 was
     calculated using daily weighted averages.

     The Company had an additional  revolving credit facility.  Total borrowings
     outstanding at December 31, 1997 were  $887,0000.  This credit facility was
     paid off in 1998.

                                      F-14


<PAGE>

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


8.   LONG-TERM DEBT

     Long-term debt consists of the following:
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                                                     <C>         <C>

                                                                                               1998        1997
                                                                                             --------    --------
                                                                                                (in thousands)
       Loan from shareholder, interest at 10% per annum paid in
         1998 (See Note 11)                                                                  $     -     $   122

       Mortgage  note  payable in  monthly  installments  of  $2,784,  including
         interest at 11% per annum through 1998, with a principal payment
         of $269,485 paid  in 1998, secured by land and building                                   -         273

       Mortgage  note  payable in  monthly  installments  of  $6,730,  including
         interest at 8.15% per annum through 2003, with a principal payment
         of $366,900 due in 2003, secured by land and building (Note 7)                          530         566

       Mortgage note payable, including interest at 10% per annum paid in
         1998, secured by land and building                                                        -         210

       Capitalized lease equipment with variable monthly installments, including
         interest at 11.5% per annum through 2000, secured by
         equipment                                                                                34          75

       Other                                                                                       -          58
                                                                                             --------    --------

                                                                                                 564       1,304

       Less portion due within one year                                                           61         731
                                                                                             --------    --------

                                                                                             $   503     $   573
                                                                                             ========    ========
</TABLE>
       Maturities on long-term debt are summarized as follows at December 31,
        1998 (in thousands):

       Year ending
       December 31,
       -----------
            1999                                               $    61
            2000                                                    53
            2001                                                    45
            2002                                                    49
            2003                                                   356
                                                               --------
                                                               $   564
                                                               ========

                                      F-15

<PAGE>

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9.   SAVINGS PLAN

     On April 1, 1990, the Company established a Section 401(k) employee savings
     plan for the benefit of its eligible  employees.  All employees 21 years of
     age or older  become  eligible  to  participate  in the  savings  plan upon
     completion  of 1,000 hours of service in any  consecutive  12-month  period
     following  the  initial  date  of  employment.  Employees  covered  under a
     co-employer  ("PEO")  contract receive credit for prior employment with the
     PEO client for purposes of meeting  savings plan service  eligibility.  The
     determination  of Company  contributions to the plan, if any, is subject to
     the sole  discretion  of the  Company.  Participants'  interests in Company
     contributions  to  the  plan  vest  over  a  seven-year   period.   Company
     contributions  to the plan were  $104,000,  $111,000  and  $134,000 for the
     years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

     Recent  attention  has been placed by the  Internal  Revenue  Service  (the
     "IRS") and the staff leasing industry on IRC Section 401(k) plans sponsored
     by staff leasing companies. As such, the tax-exempt status of the Company's
     plan is subject to  continuing  scrutiny and approval by the IRS and to the
     Company's  ability to support  to the IRS the  Company's  employer-employee
     relationship with leased employees. In the event the tax-exempt status were
     to be discontinued and the plan were to be disqualified,  the operations of
     the Company could be adversely  affected.  The Company has not recorded any
     provision  for this  potential  contingency,  as the  Company and its legal
     counsel cannot presently estimate either the likelihood of disqualification
     or the resulting range of loss, if any.


10.  COMMITMENTS

     LEASE COMMITMENTS
     The Company  leases its offices  under  operating  lease  agreements  which
     require minimum annual payments as follows (in thousands):


           YEAR ENDING
           December 31,
           -----------
              1999                                                $   1,315
              2000                                                      725
              2001                                                      470
              2002                                                      228
              2003                                                      144
                                                                  ----------
                                                                  $   2,882
                                                                  ==========


     Rent  expense  for the years ended  December  31,  1998,  1997 and 1996 was
     approximately $1,369,000, $1,188,000 and $848,000, respectively.

                                      F-16
<PAGE>

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     During 1997 and 1996,  the Company  recorded  revenues  of  $4,047,000  and
     $4,086,000,   respectively,   and  cost  of  revenues  of  $3,719,000   and
     $3,768,000,  respectively,  for providing  services to a company of which a
     former  director of the Company is president and majority  stockholder.  At
     December  31,  1997,  Barrett had trade  receivables  from this  company of
     $188,000.

     On December 31, 1997, the Company borrowed $122,100 from a shareholder. The
     note bore  interest  at 10% per  annum  and was  repaid in full on June 29,
     1998.


12.  INCOME TAXES

     The provisions for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                        1998           1997            1996
                                     ---------      ----------      ----------
      Current:
         Federal                     $  2,571       $   2,566       $   2,692
         State                            675             503             479
                                     ---------      ----------      ----------
                                        3,246           3,069           3,171
                                     ---------      ----------      ----------
       Deferred:
         Federal                         (255)           (600)           (348)
         State                            (68)           (127)            (74)
                                     ---------      ----------      ----------
                                         (323)           (727)           (422)
                                     ---------      ----------      ----------
       Total provision               $  2,923       $   2,342       $   2,749
                                     =========      ==========      ==========

     Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following components
     (in thousands):


                                                            December 31,
                                                        1998            1997
                                                     ----------       ---------
       Current:
         Accrued workers' compensation 
          claim liabilities                          $   1,232       $   1,223
         Allowance for doubtful accounts                   102             236
         Safety incentives                                 310             276
         Other accruals                                    213             160
                                                     ----------      ----------
                                                     $   1,857       $   1,895
                                                     ==========      ==========
       Noncurrent:
         Tax depreciation in excess
          of book depreciation                       $    (101)      $    (165)
         Accrued workers' compensation
           claim liabilities                               278             246
         Amortization of intangibles                       289             110
         Deferred compensation                              62               -
         Other                                              24               -
                                                     ----------      ----------
                                                     $     552       $     191
                                                     ==========      ==========

                                      F-17
<PAGE>


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12.  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

     The effective tax rate  differed from the U.S.  statutory  federal tax rate
     due to the following:



                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  1998       1997       1996
                                                -------     ------     -------
       Statutory federal tax rate                 34.0 %     34.0 %       34.0 %
       State taxes, net of federal benefit         6.1        3.5          3.5
       Nondeductible expenses                      3.4          -            -
       Nondeductible amortization of intangibles   2.5        1.3           .1
       Federal tax-exempt interest income         (1.0)      (1.0)        (1.4)
       Other, net                                 (1.7)        .1          (.6)
                                               --------    -------      -------
                                                  43.3 %     37.9 %       35.6 %
                                               ========    =======      =======

     During  1997,  the  Company  recognized  a State of  Oregon  tax  credit of
     approximately  $121,000  related  to the 1996 tax year.  During  1996,  the
     Company  recognized a State of Oregon  surplus tax refund of  approximately
     $145,000 related to tax years 1993 through 1995.


13.  STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

     As of March 1, 1993, the Company adopted the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan (the
     "Plan")  which  provides  for  stock-based  awards  to  Company  employees,
     non-employee directors, and outside consultants or advisors.  Effective May
     14, 1997, the Company's  stockholders approved an increase in the number of
     shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Plan from 800,000 to
     1,300,000. The number of options and the price per share have been restated
     to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split effective May 23, 1994.

     The options generally become exercisable in four equal annual  installments
     beginning one year after the date of grant,  and expire ten years after the
     date of grant. Under the terms of the Plan, the exercise price of incentive
     stock  options must not be less than the fair market value of the Company's
     stock  on the date of  grant.  Certain  of the  Company's  zone and  branch
     management  employees have elected to receive a portion of their  quarterly
     cash bonus in the form of nonqualified deferred compensation stock options.
     Such  options are awarded at a sixty  percent  discount  from the then fair
     market value of the  Company's  stock and are fully vested and  immediately
     exercisable upon grant. The amount of the grantee's  deferred  compensation
     (discount  from fair market value) is subject to market risk.  During 1998,
     the Company awarded deferred  compensation  stock options for 51,417 shares
     at an average exercise price of $4.26 per share.

                                      F-18

<PAGE>


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13.  STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (CONTINUED)

     A summary of the status of the Company's  stock option plan at December 31,
     1998,  1997 and 1996,  together with changes during the periods then ended,
     are presented below.

                                                                      WEIGHTED
                                                                      AVERAGE
                                                                      EXERCISE
                                                      OPTIONS          PRICE
                                                    -------------  -------------

       Outstanding at December 31, 1995                  496,625    $    10.78

       Options granted at market price                   137,498         16.63
       Options exercised                                 (83,625)         6.77
       Options canceled or expired                       (58,500)        17.70
                                                    -------------

       Outstanding at December 31, 1996                  491,998         12.27

       Options granted at market price                   219,871         14.54
       Options exercised                                 (77,375)         9.46
       Options canceled or expired                       (39,375)        13.87
                                                    -------------

       Outstanding at December 31, 1997                  595,119         13.50

       Options granted at market price                   217,601         10.91
       Options granted below market price                 51,417          4.26
       Options exercised                                  (7,250)         5.91
       Options canceled or expired                       (71,592)        14.50
                                                    -------------

       Outstanding at December 31, 1998                  785,295         12.15
                                                    =============

       Available for grant at December 31, 1998          306,330
                                                    =============


     The Company  applies APB  Opinion  No. 25 and  related  interpretations  in
     accounting  for the Plan.  Accordingly,  no  compensation  expense has been
     recognized for its stock option  grants.  If  compensation  expense for the
     Company's  stock-based  compensation  plan had been determined based on the
     fair market value at the grant date for awards  under the Plan,  consistent
     with the method of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, the
     Company's  net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the
     pro forma amounts indicated below:


                                               1998      1997      1996
                                             --------  --------  --------
     (in thousands, except per share amounts)

     Net income, as reported                 $ 3,821   $ 3,845   $ 4,968
     Net income, pro forma                     3,117     3,364     4,596

     Basic earnings per share, as reported       .50       .50       .65
     Basic earnings per share, pro forma         .41       .43       .59

     Diluted earnings per share, as reported     .50       .49       .64
     Diluted earnings per share, pro forma       .41       .42       .58


                                      F-19
<PAGE>

BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13.  STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (CONTINUED)

     The effects of applying SFAS No. 123 for  providing  pro forma  disclosures
     for 1998, 1997 and 1996 are not likely to be  representative of the effects
     on reported net income for future years,  because options vest over several
     years and additional awards generally are made each year.

     The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
     the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with the following weighted-average
     assumptions used for grants in 1998, 1997 and 1996:


                                               1998         1997         1996
                                            -----------  -----------  ----------
       Expected volatility                         43%          42%          41%
       Risk free rate of return                  5.50%        6.25%        6.10%
       Expected dividend yield                      0%           0%           0%
       Expected life (years)                       8.0          7.5          7.0

     Total fair value of options  granted  at market  price was  computed  to be
     $1,364,155,  $1,809,662  and  $1,227,834  for the years ended  December 31,
     1998, 1997 and 1996,  respectively.  Total fair value of options granted at
     60% below  market  price was  computed  to be  $422,743  for the year ended
     December 31, 1998.  In accordance  with APB No. 25, the Company  recognized
     compensation  expense of $212,941 in connection  with the issuance of these
     discounted options.  The weighted average value of options granted in 1998,
     1997 and 1996 was $6.64, $8.23 and $8.93, respectively.

     The following table summarizes  information about stock options outstanding
     at December 31, 1998:


<TABLE>
<S>           <C>           <C>           <C>               <C>                <C>          <C>           <C>  

                                    OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                                  OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------------
                                                                       Weighted
                                                                       average        Exercisable      Weighted
                 Exercise                             Weighted        remaining           at           average
                  price                Number          average       contractual      December 31,     exercise
                  range               of shares         price            life            1998           price
         -------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------  -------------
         $     3.39 -        5.23          79,917         $  3.99              7.6          55,831     $   3.81
               8.75 -        9.50          64,000            9.42              5.2          64,000         9.42

              10.13 -       12.50         284,954           11.10              8.9          52,360        11.52
              13.37 -       14.88         161,500           14.40              7.6          76,625        14.41
              15.00 -       18.00         194,924           16.08              7.2         114,479        15.97
</TABLE>

     At December  31,  1998,  1997 and 1996,  363,295,  211,958 and 126,500 were
     exercisable  at  weighted  average  exercise  prices of $11.97,  $12.02 and
     $10.80, respectively.


14.  LITIGATION

     The Company is subject to legal  proceedings  and claims which arise in the
     ordinary course of its business.  In the opinion of management,  the amount
     of ultimate  liability  with  respect to  currently  pending or  threatened
     actions is not  expected to  materially  affect the  financial  position or
     results of operations of the Company.

                                      F-20

<PAGE>


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15.  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>      

       (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                          FIRST          SECOND          THIRD          FOURTH
                                                         QUARTER        QUARTER         QUARTER        QUARTER
                                                       -------------  -------------  --------------  -------------
       Year ended December 31, 1996

         Revenues                                         $  46,502      $  55,902       $  64,694      $  64,854
         Cost of revenues                                    40,987         49,146          57,438         57,702
         Net income                                             816          1,287           1,639          1,226
         Basic earnings per share                               .11            .17             .21            .16
         Diluted earnings per share                             .11            .16             .21            .16
         Common stock market prices:
           High                                               20.75          20.00           22.25          17.50
           Low                                                14.50          16.25           14.00          13.50

       Year ended December 31, 1997
         Revenues                                         $  67,011      $  75,660       $  85,995      $  76,865
         Cost of revenues                                    60,296         67,686          77,258         68,877
         Net income                                             823          1,254             976            792
         Basic earnings per share                               .11            .16             .13            .10
         Diluted earnings per share                             .10            .16             .13            .10
         Common stock market prices:
           High                                               19.00          15.00           17.50          17.25
           Low                                                12.75          11.50           13.63          11.00

       Year ended December 31, 1998
         Revenues                                         $  69,241      $  76,651       $  81,969      $  75,168
         Cost of revenues                                    62,467         68,524          73,002         67,012
         Net income                                             387            600           1,599          1,235
         Basic earnings per share                               .05            .08             .21            .16
         Diluted earnings per share                             .05            .08             .21            .16
         Common stock market prices:
           High                                               12.00          13.38           10.88           9.38
           Low                                                10.25           9.13            7.88           6.00
</TABLE>


16.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

     Subsequent to year end, effective January 1, 1999, the Company acquired all
     of the  outstanding  common  stock  of  Temporary  Staffing  Systems,  Inc.
     ("TSS"),  a staffing  services  company with eight branch  offices in North
     Carolina and one in South Carolina. The Company paid $2,000,000 in cash and
     issued a note payable for  $950,000 due January 31, 2000,  payment of which
     is  contingent  upon a  minimum  equity  requirement  for 1998 and  certain
     financial  performance  criteria for 1999. The Company also paid $50,000 in
     cash  for a  noncompete  agreement  with  the  selling  shareholder.  TSS's
     revenues for the fiscal year ended March 29, 1998 were approximately  $12.9
     million (audited).

                                      F-21
<PAGE>


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)

     Subsequent to year end,  effective February 8, 1999, the Company negotiated
     an amendment to the loan  agreement with its principal bank to increase the
     availability under the unsecured revolving credit facility by $2.0 million.
     All other terms and conditions of the loan agreement were unchanged.

     Subsequent to year end,  effective  February 15, 1999, the Company acquired
     certain assets of TPM Staffing Services,  Inc. ("TPM"), a staffing services
     company with three offices in southern California - Lake Forest, Santa Ana,
     and Anaheim.  The Company paid $1,200,000 in cash for the assets of TPM and
     the selling shareholder's  noncompete agreement,  of which $240,000 will be
     deferred for six months.  TPM's  revenues  for the year ended  December 31,
     1998 were approximately $5.7 million (unaudited).

                                      F-22

<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX



2        Acquisition  and  Merger  Agreement  dated  June 29,  1998,  among  the
         registrant,  Western Industrial  Management,  Inc., Catch 55, Inc., and
         the other parties listed therein.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         2 to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 13, 1998.

3.1      Charter of the  registrant,  as amended.  Incorporated  by reference to
         Exhibit  3 to the  registrant's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the
         quarter ended June 30, 1994.

3.2      Bylaws of the  registrant,  as amended.  Incorporated  by  reference to
         Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
         ended December 31, 1996.

4.1      Loan Agreement between the registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated
         May  31,  1998.  Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.1  to  the
         registrant's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
         30, 1998.

4.2      Amendment,  dated  February  8, 1999,  to Loan  Agreement  between  the
         registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated May 31, 1998.

         The registrant has incurred other  long-term  indebtedness  as to which
         the amount involved is less than 10 percent of the  registrant's  total
         assets.  The  registrant  agrees to furnish  copies of the  instruments
         relating to such indebtedness to the Commission upon request.

10       Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements and Other Management
         Contracts.

10.1     1993 Stock Incentive Plan of the registrant as amended. Incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit  10.1 to the  registrant's  Annual  Report on Form
         10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.

10.2     Form of Indemnification Agreement with each director of the registrant.
         Incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.8  to  the   registrant's
         Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-61804).

10.3     Deferred  Compensation Plan for Management Employees of the registrant.
         Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the  registrant's  Annual
         Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.

10.4     Employment  Agreement between the registrant and Michael D. Mulholland,
         dated January 26, 1999.

11       Statement of calculation of Basic and Diluted shares outstanding.

23       Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants.

24       Power of attorney of certain  officers and  directors.  

27       Financial Data Schedule, fiscal year end 1998.


                                February 8, 1999


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
4724 SW Macadam Avenue
Portland, OR 97201

Dear Gentlemen:

         This  letter  amendment  (this  "Amendment")  is to confirm the changes
agreed upon between Wells Fargo Bank, National  Association ("Bank") and Barrett
Business Services, Inc. ("Borrower") to the terms and conditions of that certain
letter agreement  between Bank and Borrower dated as of May 31, 1998, as amended
from time to time (the "Agreement"). For valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency  of which are hereby  acknowledged,  Bank and Borrower  hereby agree
that the Agreement shall be amended as follows to reflect said changes.

         1. The  Agreement  is hereby  amended by  deleting  "Five  Million  Six
Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars  ($5,650,000.00)" as the maximum principal amount
available  under Line of Credit,  and by  substituting  for said  amount  "Seven
Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($7,650,000.00)," with such change to
be  effective  upon the  execution  and  delivery to Bank of a  promissory  note
substantially  in the form of Exhibit A attached  hereto (which  promissory note
shall  replace and be deemed Line of Credit Note defined in and made pursuant to
the Agreement) and all other  contracts,  instruments and documents  required by
Bank to evidence such change.

         2.  Paragraph  I.1. (b) of the Agreement is hereby  amended by deleting
"Five  Million  Six  Hundred  Fifty  Thousand  Dollars  ($5,650,000.00)"  as the
aggregate  undrawn  amount  of  all  outstanding   Letters  of  Credit,  and  by
substituting  for said amount "Seven Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand  Dollars
($7,650,000.00)."

         3. Except as specifically  provided herein, all terms and conditions of
the Agreement  remain in full force and effect,  without waiver or modification.
All terms defined in the Agreement shall have the same meaning when used herein.
This Amendment and the Agreement shall be read together, as one document.

         4. Borrower hereby remakes all representations and warranties contained
in the Agreement and reaffirms all covenants set forth therein. Borrower further
certifies that as of the date 

<PAGE>

Barrett Business Services, Inc.
February 8, 1999
Page 2

of Borrower's  acknowledgment set forth below there exists no default or defined
event of default under the Agreement or any promissory  note or other  contract,
instrument or document executed in connection therewith,  nor any condition, act
or event  which with the  giving of notice or the  passage of time or both would
constitute such a default or defined event of default.

UNDER OREGON LAW, MOST  AGREEMENTS,  PROMISES AND COMMITMENTS MADE BY BANK AFTER
OCTOBER 3, 1989 CONCERNING  LOANS AND OTHER CREDIT  EXTENSIONS WHICH ARE NOT FOR
PERSONAL,  FAMILY OR  HOUSEHOLD  PURPOSES  OR SECURED  SOLELY BY THE  BORROWER'S
RESIDENCE MUST BE IN WRITING,  EXPRESS CONSIDERATION AND BE SIGNED BY BANK TO BE
ENFORCEABLE.

         Your  acknowledgment  of this Amendment shall constitute  acceptance of
the foregoing terms and conditions.


                                        Sincerely,

                                     WELLS FARGO BANK,
                                      NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                     By: /s/ Julie Wilson
                                         Julie Wilson
                                         Vice President


Acknowledged and accepted as of February 10, 1999:


BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

By: /s/ Michael D. Mulholland

Title:  Vice President - Finance



                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                              --------------------


         THIS EMPLOYMENT  AGREEMENT,  dated for reference  purposes  January 26,
1999, is by and between BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES,  INC., a Maryland corporation
("Employer"),  and  MICHAEL  D.  MULHOLLAND  ("Employee").  Employer  desires to
confirm the continued employment of Employee as its Vice  President-Finance  and
Secretary,  to perform the duties set forth in this  Agreement;  and Employee is
willing to enter into this contract of employment.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, agreements and
conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:

         1. EMPLOYMENT. Employer shall continue to employ Employee, and Employee
agrees to be employed by Employer in  accordance  with the terms and  conditions
hereinafter  set forth.  Employee  represents and warrants that he has the legal
capacity to execute and perform this  Agreement,  that it is a valid and binding
agreement  against  him  according  to its  terms,  and that its  execution  and
performance  by him does not  violate  the terms of any  existing  agreement  or
understanding to which Employee is a party. In addition, Employee represents and
warrants  that  he  knows  of no  reason  why he is not  physically  capable  of
performing his obligations under this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

         2. TERM.  The term of this  Agreement  will begin on January 26,  1999,
1999 ("Anniversary Date"). Except as otherwise provided under paragraphs 2.1 and
2.2 herein, as of each Anniversary Date, the term of this Agreement shall not be
less than two (2) years.

              2.1 Unless  either party to this  Agreement  notifies the other in
writing  not later than 30 days prior to an  Anniversary  Date of an election to
terminate this Agreement on the Anniversary Date in the following year, the term
of this Agreement shall  automatically renew each year for an additional one (1)
year,  upon the annual  Anniversary  Date,  such that the effective term of this
Agreement  shall  always be not less  than two (2) years as of each  Anniversary
Date.

              2.2 In the event of a "Change in  Control" of the  Employer,  this
Agreement shall  automatically renew for a period of not less than two (2) years
beginning with the day immediately preceding the effective date of the Change in
Control of the Employer.  For the purposes of this Agreement,  Change in Control
shall be  identical  to the  definition  included in the  Employer's  1993 Stock
Incentive  Plan,  as amended;  provided,  however,  the  definition of Change in
Control shall not include any form of acquisition,  merger or  consolidation  of
Employer's  stock  initiated by William W. Sherertz or any entity  controlled by
William W. Sherertz which would cause the Employer to become a

Page 1--EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
<PAGE>

privately owned company and William W. Sherertz continues as President and Chief
Executive Officer.

         3. DUTIES.  Employee will serve as Vice President-Finance and Secretary
of Employer, with such duties as are customarily associated with such positions,
and such other  duties as may be  assigned to him from time to time by the Board
of Directors of Employer (the "Board").

         4. EXTENT OF SERVICES;  RESTRICTIONS.  Employee shall devote his entire
working time,  attention and energies to the performance of his duties hereunder
and shall  not,  during  the term of this  Agreement,  be  engaged  in any other
business  activity,  whether or not such business  activity is pursued for gain,
profit or other pecuniary advantage. Employee shall at all times, faithfully and
to the best of his  ability,  perform  all of the duties that may be required of
him  pursuant  to  this  Agreement;  provided,  however,  that  nothing  in this
Agreement shall preclude Employee from devoting time during  reasonable  periods
required for:

              4.1 serving,  in accordance with Employer's  policies and with the
prior  approval  of the Board,  as a director  or member of a  committee  of any
company or  organization  involving no actual or potential  conflict of interest
with Employer;

              4.2 delivering lectures and fulfilling speaking engagements;

              4.3 engaging in charitable and community activities; and

              4.4  investing  his  personal  assets in  businesses  in which his
participation  is  solely  that of an  investor;  provided,  however,  that such
activities  do not  materially  affect  or  interfere  with the  performance  of
Employee's duties and obligations to Employer.

         5. SALARY.  Employee  shall be paid a salary of $155,000  per year,  in
accordance  with  Employer's  standard  payroll  procedures  for  its  executive
management employees. Employee's salary shall be evaluated annually, as provided
in the Employer's Executive Officer Compensation Policy Dated November 30, 1995.
The foregoing salary is in addition to such other forms of compensation  such as
stock appreciation rights,  options,  bonuses, and benefits,  as provided for in
the Company's Executive Officer Compensation Policy Dated November 30, 1995, and
as the Board may award to Employee from time to time.

         6.  BENEFITS;  REIMBURSEMENT;  STOCK  OPTIONS.  Employer  will  furnish
Employee,  at Employer's  expense,  the same employment fringe benefits that are
generally  provided  from time to time by Employer to its  executive  management
employees.  Employer  shall  reimburse  Employee  for  reasonable  out-of-pocket
expenses that 

Page 2--EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
<PAGE>

Employee  incurs in connection  with the performance of his duties in accordance
with  the  same  reimbursement  policies  that  generally  apply  to  Employer's
executive management employees.

         7.  TERMINATION.

              7.1 FOR CAUSE. Employer, by a vote of a majority of the Board, may
terminate  Employee's  employment at any time "For Cause" with immediate  effect
upon  delivering  written  notice  thereof to  Employee.  For  purposes  of this
Agreement, For Cause includes:

                   (a) a significant failure to comply with policies,  standards
and regulations of the Employer as established from time to time;

                   (b) gross negligence in the performance of Employee's duties,
continuing after appropriate notice pursuant to Employer policy;

                   (c) embezzlement,  theft,  larceny,  material fraud, or other
acts of dishonesty;

                   (d)  significant  violation  of  any of  Employee's  material
duties or obligations under this Agreement; or

                   (e)  conviction  of or  entry  of a plea  of  guilty  or nolo
contendere to a felony or other crime.

              On termination  For Cause,  Employer shall pay Employee his salary
earned  through the date of  termination,  and Employee shall not be entitled to
any further compensation or benefits under this Agreement after the date of such
termination  other than fringe  benefits due under  Employer's  benefit plans or
applicable law.

              7.2  WITHOUT  CAUSE.  In the event of a Change in  Control  of the
Employer and  Employee's  employment  is terminated  other than For Cause,  then
Employer shall pay to Employee an amount equal to two (2) times his then-current
annual  base  salary  in a lump  sum  within  three  (3)  days  of the  date  of
termination of employment,  unless the provisions of paragraph 8 are applicable,
wherein such lump sum payment shall then be payable in accordance with paragraph
8. If Employee voluntarily terminates employment with Employer within 90 days of
a "Change in Duties" related to a Change in Control, Employer shall be deemed to
have terminated  Employee's employment other than For Cause under this paragraph
7.2,  then  Employer  shall pay to Employee an amount equal to two (2) times his
then-current  annual base salary in a lump sum within three (3) days of the date
of  termination  of  employment,  unless  the  provisions  of  paragraph  8  are
applicable,  wherein such lump sum payable  shall then be payable in  accordance
with paragraph 8. Change in Duties shall mean any one or more of the following:

Page 3--EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
<PAGE>

                   (a) a significant change in the nature or scope of Employee's
title, responsibilities,  authorities, or duties from those applicable as of the
date of this Agreement;

                   (b) a significant  diminution in  Employee's  eligibility  to
participate in bonus,  stock option,  incentive awards,  and other  compensation
plans;

                   (c) a significant diminution in employee benefits, including,
but not limited to, medical and dental insurance,  and perquisites applicable to
Employee, from the employee benefits and perquisites to which he was entitled as
of the date of this Agreement;  provided, however, Employer may modify and amend
the group benefit plans offered to its  employees  including  Employee,  without
violating the terms of this paragraph 7.2(c);

                   (d) a change in the location of Employee's principal place of
employment by Employer by more than 30 miles from Portland, Oregon; or

                   (e) significant  violation of any of the Employer's  material
duties or obligations under this Agreement.

              7.3 DEATH.  In the event of  Employee's  death  during the term of
this Agreement, this Agreement will terminate.

              7.4  DISABILITY.  This Agreement  shall  terminate upon Employee's
total disability. Employee's total disability means his inability to perform his
regular  duties  by  reason  of  illness  or  accident  for a period  of six (6)
consecutive  months,  determined by a licensed physician  acceptable to Employer
and Employee. On termination by reason of Employee's disability,  in addition to
such group  disability  insurance  benefits as Employer may provide from time to
time,  Employee  and his  dependents  shall  continue to be covered by the group
health insurance provided to executive  management employees of Employer for the
remaining term of this Agreement.

              7.5 BY  EMPLOYEE.  In the event  Employee  voluntarily  terminates
employment  with  Employer  during the term of this  Agreement  (other than as a
result of a Change in Duties as set  forth in  paragraph  7.2  above),  Employer
shall pay Employee his salary through the date of termination and Employee shall
not be entitled to any further  compensation  or benefits  under this  Agreement
after the date of termination  other than fringe  benefits due under  Employer's
benefit plans or applicable law.

         8. LIMITATIONS ON TERMINATION COMPENSATION.

              8.1 In the event that the "Present  Value" (as defined  herein) of
any termination benefits payable to Employee under this Agreement, and any other
payments  otherwise  payable to Employee by the Employer on or after a Change in
Control,  which are deemed under  Section  280G of the Internal  Revenue Code of

Page 4--EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
<PAGE>

1986, as amended (the "Code"), to constitute "Parachute Payments" [as defined in
Section 280G without regard to Section  280G(b)(2)(A)(ii)] equals or exceeds 300
percent of Employee's base amount (as defined herein),  the provisions set forth
below will apply, and termination benefits payable to Employee under paragraph 7
of this  Agreement  will be  made  only in  accordance  with  this  paragraph  8
notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement.

              8.2 Not  later  than ten  (10)  days  from the date of  Employee's
termination,  the Employer will provide  Employee with a schedule  indicating by
category the Present Value of all termination benefits payable to Employee under
this  Agreement  and any other  payments  otherwise  payable to  Employee by the
Employer on or after the Change in Control,  which,  in the Employer's  opinion,
constitute  Parachute Payments under Section 280G. No payments under paragraph 7
of this  Agreement  shall be made until  after ten (10) days from the receipt of
such schedule by Employee.  At any time prior to the expiration of said ten (10)
day  period,  Employee  shall  have the right to select  from all or part of any
category of payment to be made under this Agreement those payments to be made to
Employee  in an amount,  the  Present  Value of which  (when  combined  with the
Present  Value of any  other  payments  otherwise  payable  to  Employee  by the
Employer  that are  deemed  Parachute  Payments)  is less  than 300  percent  of
Employee's  base  amount.  If  Employee  fails to  exercise  his right to make a
selection,  only a lump sum cash termination  payment in the maximum amount that
is less than 300 percent of his base amount (reduced by the Present Value of any
other  payments  otherwise  payable to Employee by the Employer  that are deemed
Parachute Payments) shall be made to Employee on the day after the expiration of
the period  extending ten (10) days from the receipt by Employee of the schedule
provided for hereunder.

              8.3 At any time prior to Employee  exercising  his right to make a
selection under paragraph 8.2, Employee shall have the right to request that the
Employer  obtain a ruling from the Internal  Revenue  Service  ("Service") as to
whether any or all payments  listed on the schedule  provided  hereunder are, in
the view of the Service,  Parachute  Payments under Section 280G. If a ruling is
sought  pursuant to his request,  no  termination  benefit under this  Agreement
shall be paid to him until after 15 days from the date of such  ruling,  and the
period  during which  Employee may exercise his right to make a selection  under
paragraph  8.2 hereof  shall be extended to a date 15 days from the date of such
ruling. For purposes of this paragraph 8, Employee and the Employer hereby agree
to be bound by the Service's ruling as to whether payments constitute  Parachute
Payments under Section 280G. If the Service declines, for any reason, to provide
the ruling requested, the Employer's determination with respect to what payments
constitute  Parachute  Payments  shall  control,  and the  period  during  which
Employee may exercise his right to make a selection  under  paragraph 8.2 hereof
shall  be  

Page 5--EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
<PAGE>


extended to a date 15 days from the date of the Service's notice indicating that
no ruling will be forthcoming.

              8.4 For purposes of this  paragraph 8,  "Present  Value" means the
value  determined in accordance  with the  principles of Section  1274(d) of the
Code under rules provided in Treasury  Regulations  under Section 280G, and base
amount means the average annual compensation payable to Employee by the Employer
and  includable in his gross income for federal  income tax purposes  during the
shorter of the period  consisting  of the most  recent  five (5)  taxable  years
ending  before the date of any Change in Control of the  Employer or the portion
of such period during which Employee was an employee of the Employer.

              8.5 Any  selection  by  Employee  under this  paragraph 8 shall be
invalid,  and no such payments will be made,  unless,  under  relevant  Treasury
Regulations,  such  payments  can be reduced to Present  Value as of the date of
termination or such  appropriate date prior thereto as provided in said Treasury
Regulations.  

              8.6  References to Section 280G herein are specific  references to
Section  280G,  as amended to date.  In the event that  Section  280G is amended
further prior to expiration or termination of this  Agreement,  or replaced by a
successor statute,  the limitations imposed by this paragraph 8 upon payments to
be made to  Employee  under  this  Agreement  shall be deemed  modified  without
further  action of the parties so as to provide only for such  limitations  that
are consistent with such amendment(s) or successor  statute(s),  as the case may
be. In the event that Section 280G, or any successor statute, is repealed,  this
paragraph 8 shall cease to be  effective on the  effective  date of such repeal.
The parties to this Agreement  recognize that final Treasury  Regulations  under
Section 280G may affect the amounts that may be paid  hereunder  and agree that,
upon issuance of such final Treasury Regulations, this Agreement may be modified
as in good faith deemed  necessary in light of the  provisions  of such Treasury
Regulations to achieve the purposes  hereof,  and consent to such  modifications
shall not be unreasonably withheld.

         9. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND EMPLOYER MATERIALS. Employee recognizes
and  acknowledges  that all  information  pertaining  to the affairs,  business,
clients,  or  customers  of Employer  (any or all of such  entities  hereinafter
referred to as the "Business"), as such information may exist from time to time,
is confidential  information and is a unique and valuable asset of the Business,
access to and knowledge of which are essential to the  performance of Employee's
duties under this Agreement. Employee shall not, except to the extent reasonably
necessary in the performance of his duties under this Agreement,  divulge to any
person, firm, association,  corporation, or governmental agency, any information
concerning the affairs, business,  clients, or customers of the Business (except
such information as is required by law to be divulged to a government  agency or
pursuant to lawful  process),  or make use of any such  information  for 

Page 6--EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
<PAGE>

his  own  purposes  or for the  benefit  of any  person,  firm,  association  or
corporation  (except the Business) and shall use his reasonable  best efforts to
prevent  the  disclosure  of  any  such  information  by  others.  All  records,
memoranda,  letters,  books, papers, reports,  accountings,  experience or other
data, and other records and documents relating to the Business,  whether made by
Employee or otherwise coming into his possession,  are confidential  information
and are, shall be, and shall remain the property of Employer.  No copies thereof
shall be made which are not  retained  by  Employer,  and  Employee  agrees,  on
termination of his employment,  or on demand of Employer, to deliver the same to
Employer.  Employer's  obligation to make  payments,  deliver shares of stock or
provide  for any  benefits  under this  Agreement  or any other  agreement  with
Employee  shall cease upon any  violation of the  preceding  provisions  of this
paragraph; provided, however, that Employee shall first have the right to appear
before the Board with  counsel and that  cessation of payments  shall  require a
vote of a majority of the Board.

         10.  NOTICES.  Any notice  required or permitted to be given under this
Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and personally  delivered or sent by
registered or certified mail addressed as follows:

              Employer:                    Barrett Business Services, Inc.
                                           4724 SW Macadam Avenue
                                           Portland OR 97201-4225
                                           Attn:  President

              With a copy to:              Kirkham E. Hay
                                           Brownstein, Rask, Arenz, Sweeney,
                                             Kerr & Grim, LLP
                                           1200 SW Main Building
                                           Portland OR 97205-2040

              Employee:                    Michael D. Mulholland
                                           3061 SW Fairmount Boulevard
                                           Portland OR 97201

         Either  party may,  by notice in writing to the other party as provided
herein, change the address to which notices to that party are to be given.

         11.  WAIVER.  The waiver by Employer of the breach of any  provision of
this  Agreement by Employee shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any
subsequent breach by Employee.

         12.  MODIFICATION.  No  amendment,  modification  or  discharge of this
Agreement  shall be valid unless it is in writing and duly executed by the party
to be charged therewith.

         13.  GOVERNING LAW. This  Agreement  shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon without regard to any applicable
conflicts  of  law  rules   thereof.   

Page 7--EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
<PAGE>


         14.  SEVERABILITY.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision
hereof  shall in no way  affect  the  validity  or  enforceability  of any other
provision.

         15.  BENEFIT.  This  Agreement  shall inure to and be binding  upon the
parties,  their  heirs,  personal  representatives,   successors,  and  assigns;
provided, however, Employee may not assign this Agreement.

         16.  ENTIRE  AGREEMENT.  The entire  agreement  between  the parties is
contained herein and it supersedes and replaces all other agreements  pertaining
to Employee's employment by Employer; provided, however, this Agreement does not
supersede or invalidate other agreements and understandings  between the parties
relating  to  fringe  benefit  plans  provided  to  Employee  or  noncompetition
agreements.  There are no promises or representations made on behalf of Employer
to induce Employee to enter into this Agreement which are not set forth herein.

         17.  ARBITRATION.  Any and all disputes  arising from or  pertaining to
this Agreement,  or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, shall be resolved
by binding  arbitration in Portland,  Oregon. The arbitration shall be conducted
by an independent  and neutral arbiter  mutually agreed upon by the parties.  If
the parties fail to agree on the  selection of the arbiter  within 30 days after
either party requests arbitration,  the arbiter shall be appointed,  on petition
by either  party,  by the  Presiding  Judge of the Circuit Court of the State of
Oregon for  Multnomah  County.  The fees and  expenses of the  arbiter  shall be
equally  shared by the parties.  The decision of the arbiter  shall be final and
judgment  thereon  may be entered in any court of  competent  jurisdiction.  All
parties shall use good faith best efforts to resolve any dispute related to this
Agreement  within 90 days from the date of notice by either  party of a dispute.
In the event the  Employer  fails to use good faith best  efforts to resolve any
dispute  hereunder  within 90 days,  then the Employer  shall forfeit his rights
under this  Agreement  and the  Employee  shall be  permitted to enter a default
judgment in favor of the Employee,  including all fees and expenses  incurred by
the  Employee  in  connection  with  the  dispute,  in any  court  of  competent
jurisdiction.

         18. NO  ATTACHMENT.  Except as  required  by law,  no right to  receive
payments under this  Agreement  shall be subject to  anticipation,  commutation,
alienation, sale, assignment,  encumbrance,  charge, pledge, or hypothecation or
to execution, attachment, levy, or similar process or assignment by operation of
law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary,  to effect any such action shall
be  null,  void  and of no  effect;  provided,  however,  that  nothing  in this
paragraph  18  shall  preclude  the  assumption  of such  rights  by  executors,
administrators  or other  legal  representatives  of  Employee or his estate and
their assigning any rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto.

Page 8--EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
<PAGE>

         19. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS.  All payments provided for under this Agreement
shall be paid in cash from the general funds of Employer.  Employer shall not be
required to establish a special or separate fund or other  segregation of assets
to assure such payments,  and, if Employer shall make any  investments to aid it
in meeting its  obligations  hereunder,  Employee shall have no right,  title or
interest  whatsoever  in or to any such  investments  except as may otherwise be
expressly   provided  in  a  separate  written   instrument   relating  to  such
investments.  Nothing contained in this Agreement,  and no action taken pursuant
to its  provisions,  shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind,
or a fiduciary relationship,  between Employer and Employee or any other person.
To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from Employer
hereunder,  such  right  shall  be no  greater  than the  right of an  unsecured
creditor of Employer.

         20. CAPTIONS. The paragraph captions are for convenience of the parties
and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
day and year first herein written.

Employer:                                     Employee:

Barrett Business Services, Inc.
                                              /s/ Michael D. Mulholland
                                              Michael D. Mulholland
By /s/ William W. Sherertz

Title: President and CEO


Page 9--EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT



                                                                      EXHIBIT 11


                              BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
                             STATEMENT OF CALCULATION OF BASIC
                           AND DILUTED COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING

                                                                Year Ended
                                                             December 31, 1998
                                                             -----------------

Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding             7,664,016 

   Stock option plan shares to be issued at prices ranging

     from $3.50 to $18.00 per share                               712,777 

   Warrants issued at a price of $4.20 per share                    9,643 

Less:    Assumed purchase at average market price

         during the period using proceeds received upon

         exercise of options and purchase of stock, and

         using tax benefits of compensation due to premature

         dispositions                                            (675,539)
                                                                ---------
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding           7,710,897
                                                                =========


                                                                     EXHIBIT 23

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We  hereby  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in  the  Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-71792,  33-55117, 33-52871 and 333-33487) and in
the Prospectuses  constituting  part of the Registration  Statements on Form S-3
(Nos. 333-24449 and 333-62041) of Barrett Business Services,  Inc. of our report
dated  February 8, 1999,  except as to Note 16, which is as of February 15, 1999
appearing on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Portland, Oregon
March 26, 1999


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY                      EXHIBIT 24


Each person whose signature appears below designates and appoints WILLIAM W.
SHERERTZ and MICHAEL D. MULHOLLAND, and either of them, true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Barrett
Business Services, Inc., a Maryland corporation, for the year ended December 31,
1998, and to file said report, with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Each person
whose signature appears below also grants full power and authority to these
attorneys-in-fact and agents to perform every act and execute any instruments
that they deem necessary or desirable in connection with said report, as fully
as he could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the
attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this power of attorney has been executed by each of the
undersigned as of the 17th Day of March, 1999.


SIGNATURE                             TITLE


/s/ William W. Sherertz               President and Chief Executive Officer
William W. Sherertz                   and Director (Principal Executive Officer)


/s/ Michael D. Mulholland             Vice President-Finance and Secretary
Michael D. Mulholland                 (Principal Financial Officer)


/s/ James D. Miller                   Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
James D. Miller


/s/ Robert R. Ames                    Director
Robert R. Ames


/s/ Herbert L. Hochberg               Director
Herbert L. Hochberg


/s/ Anthony Meeker                    Director
Anthony Meeker


/s/ Stanley G. Renecker               Director
Stanley G. Renecker


/s/ Nancy B. Sherertz                 Director
Nancy B. Sherertz

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                     5

<LEGEND>
                        BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
                             FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE


This  schedule  contains  summary  financial   information  extracted  from  the
Company's balance sheets and related statements of operations for the year ended
December  31,  1998  and is  qualified  in its  entirety  by  reference  to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                               1,000
       
<S>                                                      <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                             12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                    DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                         DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                                     4,029
<SECURITIES>                                                   0
<RECEIVABLES>                                             21,907
<INVENTORY>                                                    0
<ALLOWANCES>                                                   0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                          28,896
<PP&E>                                                     5,184
<DEPRECIATION>                                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                            52,770
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                     15,624
<BONDS>                                                      435
                                          0
                                                    0
<COMMON>                                                      77
<OTHER-SE>                                                33,625
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                              52,770
<SALES>                                                        0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                         303,029
<CGS>                                                          0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                            271,005
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                               0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                               0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                           173
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                            6,744
<INCOME-TAX>                                               2,923
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                        3,821
<DISCONTINUED>                                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                0
<CHANGES>                                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                               3,821
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                                .50
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                .50
        

</TABLE>


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