Latest news with #ExpressEmploymentInternational
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Hiring Confidence Wavers as Canadian Companies Reassess Growth Plans for 2025
TORONTO, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the second half of 2025 begins, many Canadian employers are taking a hard look at their hiring plans, and what they see is prompting a more cautious approach. A new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals reveals that, while most hiring managers (69%) still feel positive about their company's hiring outlook for the remainder of 2025, that optimism has dimmed since a year ago (74%). At the same time, concern is growing, with 46% now expressing a negative hiring outlook, up from 38% last June. While approximately 2 in 5 companies (43%) still plan to increase their workforce in the second half of the year, that is a decline from 49% last summer. For those planning to hire, the top reasons include the need to manage growing workloads (51%), fill newly created roles (35%) and replace employees lost to turnover (42%). The proportion of companies planning to cut their number of employees (13%) has increased, compared to last year (8%). The majority cite cost cutting as the primary driver (67%), followed by adapting to government policy changes (30%) and responding to declining demand (25%). The types of roles companies are targeting are also evolving. Companies are now most likely to hire mid-level employees (46%) as entry-level hiring (43%) has dropped sharply compared to last year (56%). Full-time positions remain the most sought-after (74%), while one quarter of companies (25%) plan to hire part-time roles. 'These numbers tell a story of employers recalibrating,' said Bob Funk, Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. 'They're still hiring, but with more intention, more strategy and a sharper eye on the future.' Survey Methodology The Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 2 – 18, 2025, among 500 Canadian hiring decision-makers. For full survey methodology, please contact Ana Curic at Ana@ . If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Ana Curic at (613) 858-2622 or email Ana@ . About Robert (Bob) Funk, Jr. Robert (Bob) Funk, Jr., is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of Express Employment International, a global staffing franchisor founded and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He leads a portfolio of workforce solution brands, including the flagship Express Employment Professionals franchise, along with several affiliated brands serving specialized markets. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. About Express Employment Professionals At Express Employment Professionals, we're in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 427,000 people globally in 2024 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'We lost a legend.' Oklahoma leaders remember Bob Funk, Express Employment cofounder
Robert A. Funk Sr., co-founder and executive chairman of Express Employment International, died Tuesday at Express Ranches, his longtime home in Yukon. He was 85. Funk's passing was less than three months after the death of company co-founder William H. Stoller. Together, the pair bought a bankrupt employment agency, Acme, and built it into the franchiser of Express Employment Professionals, the company's flagship brand and the fourth-largest staffing firm in the United States. The staffing firm, started in 1983, is also the 13th-largest globally, according to Staffing Industry Analysts, and operates in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Funk's son, Bob Funk Jr., was appointed company CEO and chairman in May. Officials mourn Bob Funk Sr., acknowledge his impact on Oklahoma Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ said in a statement that Funk was "a pillar" of the state's business and philanthropic community who left his mark on Oklahoma. "From helping Oklahomans find meaningful work to supporting rural development and preserving our Western heritage, his impact will be felt for generations," Russ said. "We take comfort in the words of Scripture: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' (Matthew 25:21). My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss." Brian Pillmore, the Mayor of Yukon, released a statement praising Funk for his support of the city. "From seeing his Clydesdales and stagecoach grace our annual Czech Day parade to witnessing his dedication to our local traditions and charitable causes, it became clear that Bob's impact was woven deeply into the fabric of Yukon," Pillmore said. "On behalf of the City of Yukon, our deepest condolences go out to the Funk family and all those who have been touched by Bob's extraordinary life ... Rest well, Bob. Your spirit and contributions will forever be a cherished part of our city." In losing Funk, the state "has lost one of its greatest champions," Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said in a statement. "Bob embodied the entrepreneurial spirit ... his work ethic and vision were unmatched," Paxton said. "He believed in opportunity, in rewarding hard work and in giving people the tools they needed to succeed." House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson said her "heart goes out" to the family of the "Oklahoma legend." "His work on the Oklahoma Youth Expo Board–a beloved program for those of us in the Legislature–will be long lasting," Munson said. "He invested in Oklahoma and our future by using his influence to give back to a state he believed in. He will be missed, and his impact will always be remembered." What people are saying on social media about the death of Bob Funk Sr. From politicians to fellow ranchers, and friends to those who knew Funk through Express Employment, here's how people reacted to Funk's death. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Bob Funk dies at 85: Gov. Stitt, OK leaders remember business owner Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Job seekers say they may not apply to companies that use generative AI in hiring
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. The majority of U.S. job seekers want human interaction during the hiring process, according to an April 23 report from Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll; 62% of those surveyed said they'd consider not applying to companies that rely on generative AI. Although 78% of job seekers say generative AI use is appropriate for tasks such as drafting resumes and cover letters, as well as creating mock interview questions, many still feel concerned about an over-reliance on AI tools by hiring managers. Overall, 73% of job hunters said the benefits of using generative AI during the hiring process aren't worth the risks. 'AI is undeniably a powerful tool, but its role should be to complement human judgment, not replace it,' Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International, said in a statement. 'In the evolving landscape of AI, transparent communication with job seekers about AI's use and benefits is crucial. Striking the right balance between AI efficiency and human empathy will enhance recruitment processes and maintain the trust and confidence of potential employees.' In a survey of 1,000 U.S. job seekers, 87% said meeting with a human during interviews is important since AI can't effectively vet candidates for soft skills such as cultural fit and attitude. In addition, 84% said they prefer to have a person conduct an initial interview to answer simple questions, rather than AI. About 84% also said they'd prefer their resume and cover letter to be reviewed by a human. Beyond that, women appear to be less likely than men to believe generative AI is appropriate for some job application tasks — and less likely to use these tools as well. For instance, women are less likely to say it's appropriate to use generative AI to draft resumes and cover letters, write outreach responses, create work samples and complete an online assessment. More than 40% of women on the job hunt said they haven't used generative AI during their job search, as compared to 27% of men seeking a job. A ServiceNow report from this year also indicated that most job seekers feel uncomfortable with employers using AI tools for resume review or decision-making. Instead, candidates said they prefer for AI to be used as a supportive tool for HR teams, including tasks such as interview scheduling or candidate sourcing. Although AI may be able to improve the quality of the hire, it hasn't yet achieved that goal, according to a LinkedIn report. Recruiters agree that AI has improved hiring efficiency, but to improve the quality of the hire, recruiters may be expected to serve as a career coach to guide talent through the process.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
William Stoller, co-founder of Oklahoma-based Express Employment International, dies at 74
William H. Stoller, founder, CEO and chair of Oklahoma-based Express Employment International, passed away on April 24, the company announced this week. Stoller's business and philanthropic service helped more than 11 million people worldwide. He was 74. Stoller began his career in staffing in 1973 at Acme Personnel in Portland, Oregon, and was admired for his innovative ability, along with his integrity and commitment to helping others succeed, according to a news release. When the company later went bankrupt in the early 1980s, he and two other Acme employees — one of them Bob Funk, from Oklahoma City — founded Express Employment. They made two key decisions: to be a franchise company and to focus on temporary help — flexible staffing, which might well have anticipated what's now called "the gig economy," in which people provide services on demand, as actors, musicians and others have traditionally done. About 30 years after founding the company, Stoller replaced Funk as CEO after a prolonged legal battle, the details of which remain mostly sealed. Funk and Stoller have both said they remain on good terms. Express grew to be one of the largest employment companies in the country and moved its headquarters to OKC, The Oklahoman previously reported. In November 2024, Stoller told The Oklahoman that Express' franchise structure set them apart in a crowded industry increasingly moving online. "Most important, I think, is that we're a franchise company, so we have business owners that are in the field who live in the marketplace or live close to the market they're dealing with. And I think that gives an advantage to us because we know the community and the people who live in the community know they can go to our offices to apply for jobs," he said. "Number two is our culture, our value system. Our franchisees strongly believe we're there to help people find jobs, and that leads our culture to accomplish that." Aside from his work with Express Employment, he also was the founder and proprietor of Oregon-based Stoller Winery. Limited details are being shared at this time out of respect for the family, the company said in a news release. Funeral arrangements and other remembrance opportunities will be announced at a later date. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Express Employment International co-founder William Stoller dies at 74
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rising number of Canadians seek to switch careers, survey says
A growing number of Canadian workers are looking to switch careers — and many younger professionals have already done so — according to a recent survey from Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll. More than half, or 56 per cent, of Canadian job seekers who want to switch careers say they plan to move into a completely new industry, while 47 per cent say they plan to make a change but within their own field. 'In an era where career paths are increasingly non-linear, it's essential to cultivate a workplace that values adaptability and continuous growth,' said Express Employment International's chief executive, Bill Stoller. The poll highlighted a significant trend in career mobility, with 73 per cent of Canadian professionals saying they believe it is never too late to switch careers. It also said that 56 per cent of workers have already switched careers at least once, while only 16 per cent said they had never made a career change and never plan to. An overwhelming number of job seekers (nine in 10) said they would switch careers if they had the resources, according to the poll. Three-quarters said that seeing others working in non-traditional settings, such as remotely or from home, influences their desire to pursue similar opportunities. The survey also found that generation Z and millennial workers are almost as likely as their older counterparts to switch industries at some point in their careers, even though they have been in the job market for a shorter period of time. It said that one third of both generation Z and millennial professionals had already switched careers multiple times. These generations of workers are also more likely to express interest in a career change than generation X and baby boomers are. As career switching or switching job functions within a field become more common, companies should prepare for employees looking to make these transitions, the report said. Despite this, only 19 per cent of Canadian hiring managers reported an increase in employees switching careers over the past three years, and the majority, or 71 per cent, say the number has remained about the same. Americans are happier at work than Canadians Here's how to make a successful career leap Thinking of a career change? Consider these implications The report said many believe the current job market is slowing this trend, with 72 per cent feeling that fewer job opportunities have made employees more hesitant to make the leap. The surveys were conducted online among 505 Canadian hiring managers from Nov. 11 to 26, and 505 Canadian job seekers from Nov. 21 to Dec. 6. • Email: dpaglinawan@ Sign in to access your portfolio
