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Toronto Star
23-07-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
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.


Hamilton Spectator
23-07-2025
- 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
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The supervisor crisis — and why companies should be worried
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. Supervisors are quitting, yet nobody wants to step up to take their place, which is leading to burnout, poor workplace culture and empty leadership pipelines, according to a July 9 report from Express Employment Professionals. More than half of job seekers who are or were supervisors said they've quit or plan to quit a supervisory position. They pointed to a lack of fulfillment or advancement in their career, not feeling adequately compensated, mental health issues tied to being a supervisor, a desire for more time off, a desire for more flexible hours or a desire to leave a people management role. 'Supervisors are saying, 'No more.' Future leaders are saying, 'No, thanks,'' Bob Funk, Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International, said in a news release. 'The result? A vicious cycle that decreases effectiveness, breeds toxicity and weakens the workplace. The companies that come to terms with the situation and start implementing solutions will be the ones that succeed in this reshaped economy.' In surveys of more than 1,000 U.S. adults and 1,000 U.S. hiring decision-makers, 86% of hiring managers said they believe supervisors have the tools they need. However, only a third said they offer training on critical skills such as conflict resolution or employee feedback. In addition, 72% said their companies should do more to better support supervisors. Beyond that, nearly 3 in 4 Generation Z workers said they would prefer to develop individual expertise rather than manage people. Without a pipeline of future supervisors, companies may experience a leadership vacuum in coming years, the report found. Notably, neglecting supervisor development can lead to several consequences, such as disengagement, lost revenue, weak culture, burnout and turnover. Instead, companies can reverse the trend by building leadership training programs, developing peer and mentor networks, investing in mental health initiatives and promoting work-life balance, the report found. As supervisors struggle, C-suite executives are also experiencing a 'crisis of confidence' as they face higher levels of stress, burnout and turnover, according to an LHH report. Senior leaders said they feel unprepared for today's business environment and need more support. Sign in to access your portfolio


Hamilton Spectator
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Employee Turnover Is Costing Canadian Companies Big in 2025
TORONTO, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the midpoint of 2025 approaches, many companies are not only focused on hiring but also preparing for a potential rise in employee turnover. According to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, close to 1 in 3 Canadian hiring managers (28%) expect turnover at their company to increase this year. This growing concern is already impacting company budgets. On average, turnover costs businesses $29,234 annually in expenses like rehiring and lost productivity. For nearly 1 in 5 hiring managers (17%), that number climbs to $100,000 or more each year. The financial burden of turnover is especially pronounced in larger organizations. Among those who report annual turnover costs of $100,000 or more: Among those anticipating increased turnover, the most commonly cited reasons include: In light of these challenges, hiring remains a top priority for Canadian companies. A strong majority (83%) of hiring managers say their companies still plan to hire in 2025, which is in line with last year's figures. Among those, 33% are hiring to increase their overall headcount, while 37% aim to maintain current staffing levels. Notably, 38% of those planning to hire say the need to replace employees lost to turnover is a key driver behind their plans. 'Employee turnover isn't just a staffing issue, it's a financial one,' said Express CEO Bob Funk, Jr. 'Companies that want to stay competitive must be intentional about retention. That means building a workplace where people see long-term value — not just in compensation, but in leadership, clarity of direction and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.' Survey Methodology The Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Nov. 11 – 26, 2024, among 505 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 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