professional education

New data shows strong results from professional networking even as workers struggle with confidence, clarity and where to start.

OKLAHOMA CITY — New data from an Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey shows U.S. workers overwhelmingly believe networking is essential, yet many feel unprepared, unsure of where to do it and divided on whether digital platforms help — or hinder — the process.

Eighty-four percent of job seekers say networking is important to getting a foot in the door, and hiring managers agree even more strongly, with 92 percent saying candidates should be networking to improve their chances. The findings highlight a national workforce that sees connections as currency yet continues to struggle to navigate the evolving mix of digital and in-person opportunities.

How America Networks Today

Job seekers use a wide range of methods to build relationships in 2026, including:

• Online platforms like LinkedIn or Meetup (73%)
• In-person events ranging from conferences to meetups (66%)
• Informal social settings from coffee chats to dinners (65%)
• Cold outreach through email or social media (62%)
• Virtual events and webinars (59%)

Who Networks and How: Clear Differences Across Age and Gender

Younger job seekers are the most active networkers and the most comfortable mixing digital tools with face-to-face connection, while men generally cast a wider digital net than women.

Men also tend to lean into more networking channels than women.

They are heavier users of online platforms (79% of men vs. 67% of women), attend more in-person events (70% vs. 61%) and are more willing to try cold outreach (70% vs. 54%).

Men also show up to virtual events at higher rates (66% vs. 52%) and are more likely to believe digital networking helps build real relationships, with 51% saying online platforms make authentic connections easier, compared with 38% of women.

Younger workers take an even more expansive approach.

Gen Z and millennials lead nearly every networking method, from online platforms (77% and 76%) to in-person events (74% and 70%). Engagement steadily drops with age. Gen X and boomers trail behind, particularly on virtual and digital channels, where their participation falls as low as 48% and 40%.

Results vs. Reality

Despite clear differences in how people network, the impact is undeniable. Many job seekers who put effort into building connections see real results. Workers say networking has led to:

• 39% receiving a referral
• 36% securing an interview
• 32% receiving a job offer
• 17% earning a promotion

Altogether, 71% report at least one positive outcome tied to the relationships they built.

Even as job seekers recognize networking’s value, many feel unsure about how to navigate it. They say:

• 59% do not know the best places or websites to network within their field
• 44% lack the people or soft skills to make networking worth their time
• 51% of Gen Z feel especially underprepared in this area

Hiring managers echo this shift.

They say networking matters more now than it did 10 years ago, with 61% calling it increasingly important for job seekers. Many agree online platforms help people form authentic relationships, yet younger workers continue to push for a balance between digital and in-person opportunities.

“The data shows a workforce caught between intention and uncertainty,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “People know relationships can open doors and many already benefit from them, yet too many lack the confidence or clarity to navigate today’s fast‑changing networking environment. As the way we connect continues to evolve, workers need guidance that helps them turn those connections into real career opportunities.”

Discover more research and real-world workforce trends from the America Employed series at ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.

Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 3 to 19, 2025, among 1,002 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 7 to 20, 2025, among 1,003 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Express Employment Professionals franchisees from around the world recently gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2026 International Leadership Conference (ILC), a dynamic three‑day event recognizing outstanding leadership, achievement and the shared mission of connecting great people with great companies.

The event featured Academy Award-winning actor and author Matthew McConaughey, along with other inspiring speakers who energized attendees with powerful messages of purpose, perseverance and possibility.

“ILC is where our franchise family comes together to celebrate wins, learn from one another and chart the course ahead,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO of Express Employment International. “This year’s honorees remind us what it means to lead with heart, integrity and a commitment to improving lives.”

Employee of the Year: Dillon Carlson
The 2026 Employee of the Year award was presented to Dillon Carlson of Littleton, Colorado. While navigating the challenges of caring for both his mother and grandmother during his mother’s aggressive cancer treatment, Carlson continued his job search with humility and optimism.

Placed by Express into a full‑time role, Carlson quickly became a standout employee known for his integrity, reliability and uplifting spirit. Clients praised him as “the best addition to the team in years,” and he has maintained perfect attendance since his first day. Recently hired on permanently, Carlson exemplifies Express values through his courage, character and quiet strength.

Bob Funk Senior Legacy Award: Rocky Gill
The Bob Funk Senior Legacy Award, created to honor the enduring impact of Express co‑founder Bob Funk Sr., recognizes leaders who elevate their offices through exceptional performance, principled decision‑making and a deep commitment to their communities. This year’s inaugural recipient, Rocky Gill, has built a reputation for operational excellence rooted in discipline, authenticity and a drive to develop high‑performing teams. His transition from accounting to sales led to a career marked by notable growth across multiple markets, where his offices consistently reflect the strength of the Express mission in action.

Gill is equally regarded for the influence he’s had on leaders throughout the Express system. Known for his straightforward style and genuine investment in people, he has helped shape countless careers while fostering environments where employees and franchise owners feel supported and empowered. His steady leadership and rare combination of humility and intensity left a lasting impression on Bob Funk Sr., who personally supported the creation of this award in Gill’s honor.

Bill Stoller Built to Last Award: Keith McFall
The Bill Stoller Built to Last Award, named for Express co‑founder Bill Stoller, honors individuals whose long‑term vision and commitment to organizational strength contribute to the durability of the Express system. The inaugural recipient, Keith McFall, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s operational foundation, developing the structures, processes and teams that support franchisees and enable sustainable growth. His strategic mindset and calm, solution‑focused leadership have guided Express through significant periods of evolution and expansion.

McFall is also widely recognized as a mentor whose influence can be traced across the organization. Leaders frequently credit his guidance, accessibility and steady presence as defining elements in their professional development. Grounded in early lessons learned on his family’s farm in Tuttle, Oklahoma, he brings a practical, people‑centered approach to leadership that has helped strengthen Express’ culture and prepare future generations for success.

Gordon Blair Heritage Award: Jeff Rycroft
This year’s Gordon Blair Heritage Award honored Jeff Rycroft, Vice President of Risk Management at Express Employment International, who was celebrated for his innovative leadership and unwavering dedication to strengthening franchise operations. Known for his “What’s Next” mindset, Rycroft transformed his division into a strategic profit center and championed initiatives that lowered risk, improved safety and delivered millions in savings to Express franchisees. His contributions to insurance programs, safety services and crisis response have shaped the network in lasting ways.

Franchisees of the Year: Laura and Greg Sulentic
Express named Laura and Greg Sulentic of Lincoln, Nebraska, as the 2026 Franchisees of the Year, honoring their exceptional service, community impact and embodiment of Express values.

The husband‑and‑wife team is known for cultivating an outstanding employee experience and fostering deep community trust. Their “go together” philosophy fuels not only their office’s success but the success of other franchisees, as they generously mentor peers and share best practices that elevate the entire system.

Ralph Palmen Spiritual Leadership Award: Dan Healy
The Ralph Palmen Spiritual Leadership Award was presented to Dan Healy, Executive Vice President of Sales at Express Employment International, whose leadership is marked by empathy, humility and an unwavering commitment to faith and people. A thoughtful relationship‑builder, Healy is known for remembering the small but meaningful details of colleagues’ lives and making every person feel valued.

Healy’s steady presence became a source of comfort during the sudden passing of Express co‑founder Bill Stoller last April. With grace and strength, he guided the organization through its grief, offering words of reassurance during a moment he later described simply as “a God moment.”

“Each person we recognized this week represents the best of who we are,” Funk said. “From the franchise owners shaping their communities to the employees overcoming extraordinary challenges and the leaders driving our system forward, their work reflects a shared commitment to helping people succeed. Celebrating them reminds us why this organization continues to grow and why our mission matters in every market we serve.”

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

National Broadcast Hosted by Express Employment Professionals

OKLAHOMA CITY — With the next wave of workforce challenges arriving, business leaders have one last chance to secure their spot for tomorrow’s national Explore Job Insights: Equipping Business Leaders for the Year Ahead webinar from Express Employment Professionals.

The one‑hour session begins Wednesday, March 11, at 11 a.m. CST, and will deliver timely, research‑driven insights into hiring practices, workplace culture and overall organizational success for the coming year and beyond.

This program has been approved for one (1) credit hour by SHRM, HRCI, HRPA, and CPHR. Attendees are encouraged to register today at ExpressPros.com/JobInsightsWebinar.

Participants will gain insights into:

• Hiring Pressures and Turnover Patterns — The latest data on wage expectations, turnover risk and the shifting cost of securing and retaining talent.
• AI’s Expanding Influence on Workflows — How artificial intelligence is reshaping roles, redefining required skills and creating new crossroads for employers.
• The Changing Entry-Level Landscape — Rising experience and skill expectations are redefining “entry-level” and reshaping opportunities for young workers and employers alike.
• The Human Advantage in a Digital-First Hiring World — Why referrals, networking and verified skills still matter and how leaders can leverage them.

Featured Speakers
Sheena Hollander
International Spokesperson & Director of Corporate Communications & PR, Express Employment International

Sheena Hollander leads global communications, crisis response, media relations and branding for nearly 900 Express franchise locations worldwide. Her background includes nonprofit leadership, strategic communications, advertising and operational management, supported by degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication and Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

She is an active community leader with organizations including the Junior League of Oklahoma City, Arts Council Oklahoma City and Rotary Club 29. Outside her professional work, she is a classically trained pianist, an avid cyclist and a lifelong shark enthusiast.

Latoya Welch
Vice President, Research for Public Release, The Harris Poll

Latoya Welch brings nearly 20 years of experience translating complex research into strategic insights for public and media audiences. She leads end-to-end quantitative research programs and has worked with top global communications firms. Her academic background includes degrees from The Wharton School and the University of Southern California.

A published thought leader on workforce issues, she is also a global traveler, nonprofit advocate and breast cancer survivor committed to advancing equity in healthcare outcomes.

“The Job Insights webinar continues to shed light on how the workforce is changing in real time,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “Equipped with this data and the expertise of our speakers, leaders can move forward with clarity and put meaningful solutions into practice within their organizations.”

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

From “Excel experts” who freeze at a simple formula to “chefs” who can’t chop onions, employers say exaggerated skills are showing up more than ever.

OKLAHOMA CITY — A new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll reveals a startling truth about today’s hiring landscape: job seekers may be stretching the truth on their resumes far more than they admit — and employers say they can spot the exaggerations a mile away.

According to U.S. hiring managers, 80% say candidates’ resumes don’t match their real-world skills at least sometimes, with 34% reporting it happens all the time or often.

Meanwhile, just 22% of job seekers confess to listing skills they don’t actually have; a gap raising major red flags for employers.

And now, with AI at every applicant’s fingertips, companies are sounding the alarm. Eighty-six percent of hiring managers believe AI makes it too easy to embellish resumes, and 42% strongly agree it’s becoming a serious hiring risk.

Wild Resume Claims? Hiring Managers Have Seen It All

Employers shared some of their most jaw-dropping experiences when a candidate’s “expertise” evaporated the moment they stepped into the job:

• A self-proclaimed forklift operator who crashed and took out an entire shelf on day one.
• A “chef” who couldn’t cut onions.
• A VP candidate who listed 10 years of experience — without being old enough to have 10 years of experience.
• A new hire who claimed proficiency with a POS system but froze at the screen like it was written in an ancient language, leading to same-day dismissal.
• A kitchen lead who walked out by noon because they didn’t know how to do any of the tasks they claimed they could do.
• A candidate who boasted “exceptional” negotiation skills but fell apart in a de-escalation role‑play, immediately offering a full refund without attempting to solve the problem.
• Another who touted strong communication skills, only for client meetings to quickly prove otherwise.

Job seekers themselves admitted to resume creativity, too — including pretending to be a licensed plumber, a data security expert, an advanced Excel wizard and even listing Google Analytics expertise without knowing what it was.

“In today’s market, you don’t need a perfect resume; you need a truthful one,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “When job seekers exaggerate their abilities, they set themselves up for stress, failure and lost opportunities. But when they’re transparent about their skills and what they know, and eager to learn what they don’t, employers take notice. Integrity is still a competitive advantage.”

Discover more research and real-world workforce trends from the America Employed series at ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.

Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 3 to 19, 2025, among 1,002 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 7 to 20, 2025, among 1,003 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Express Employment Professionals has once again demonstrated its leadership in staffing excellence, earning ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best of Staffing^® Client and Talent Awards. In addition, the company received the esteemed Best of Staffing^® Client 5‑Year Gold Award, recognizing consistent, top‑tier client satisfaction ratings.

Based entirely on client and candidate ratings, fewer than 1% of staffing companies in the U.S. and Canada earn both the Client and Talent Awards in the same year, placing Express in an exceptionally select group of service leaders.

On average, clients of winning agencies are 50% more likely to be completely satisfied with the services provided, and placed candidates are 60% more likely to be completely satisfied compared to those working with non-winning agencies.

Industry-Leading Satisfaction Scores

Express continues to outperform the staffing industry by a wide margin, achieving the strongest satisfaction results available from this year’s survey data:

• 77.1% of clients rated their experience a 9 or 10, surpassing the 55% industry average.
• 77.4% placed job candidates rated Express a 9 or 10, compared with the 50% industry average.

“I am deeply proud of our franchisees and their staff for the care and dedication they bring to their work,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “In a time when much of the world is turning to automation, our people continue to invest in real relationships with job seekers, with clients and within their communities. That human connection is the heart of Express, and it’s what makes these achievements truly meaningful.”

Baker Nanduru, CEO of ClearlyRated, added it was an honor to introduce the 2026 Best of Staffing award winners.

“These companies keep client experience front and center, pushing the envelope in innovative service approaches,” he said. “Their work is shaping the future of staffing and recruiting, and it’s a privilege to recognize their achievements.”

Express is committed to the vision of helping as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people. With its international headquarters based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Express has more than 870 franchises in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

To find a location near you, visit ExpressPros.com.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

Leading Global Staffing Franchise Opens 54 Units in 2025 With Expansion into New Markets Nationwide

OKLAHOMA CITY — Express Employment Professionals, the leading global staffing provider franchise, closed out 2025 with 54 new and resale franchise agreements, bringing the system to nearly 900 locations worldwide.

Over the course of the year, Express hosted 12 Discovery Days, providing prospective owners an in-depth look at the brand’s mission to connect businesses with qualified talent and job seekers with employment opportunities. These events resulted in 38 new franchisees joining the system, while five existing franchise owners expanded their portfolios by acquiring additional locations, signaling continued confidence in the Express franchise model.

The brand also entered seven new territories in 2025, including:

• Raleigh, NC (East)
• Greenville, SC (North)
• Fredericksburg, VA
• Queens, NY (East)
• Naples, FL
• Midlothian, VA
• Virginia Beach, VA

“2025 reinforced the strength and durability of the Express franchise system,” said Melissa Davis, Vice President of Franchising at Express Employment Professionals. “Our franchisees stayed focused on growth, strengthening their operations, and delivering consistent results by meeting the evolving workforce needs of their local communities. That momentum positions us well as we move into 2026.”

Despite 2025 being a year of significant loss for the organization with the passing of both co-founders, William H. Stoller and Bob Funk Sr., Express franchisees demonstrated notable grit and resilience, continuing to support employers and job seekers in their local communities. That determination was reflected not only in system expansion, but also in sustained interest in the franchise opportunity, with more than 5,000 individuals expressing interest in becoming Express franchise owners, underscoring confidence in both the brand and the long-term stability of the staffing industry.

Express’s long-term goal of putting a million people to work annually remains central to the company’s vision: to help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people.

As the number-one staffing franchise for individuals, communities, and businesses, Express has achieved numerous accolades that showcase its success. For the 15th consecutive year, the brand was recognized as the top staffing franchise in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and ranked #75 on the overall Franchise 500 list. Furthermore, Express ranked #32 on the Franchise Times Top 400 and #10 on FranchiseDirect’s Top 100 Global Franchises.

As Express looks ahead, franchise development efforts are focused on key growth markets across Georgia, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Ontario, Illinois, and New York, supporting the brand’s long-term expansion strategy.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Express Employment Professionals, contact their franchise development team at franchising@expresspros.com or visit www.ExpressFranchising.com.

New survey reveals rising workloads, shrinking opportunities and growing pressure for better pay and balance as the new year begins.

OKLAHOMA CITY — With 2026 in full swing, U.S. job seekers are entering the new year with mixed emotions and mounting challenges. While optimism about higher wages persists, the majority believe the road to landing a job will be harder than ever.

According to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, 58% of job seekers expect it will be more difficult to find a job in the next six months, and 37% believe there are fewer opportunities compared to a year ago, a sharp decline from 48% in 2025.

At the same time, 46% anticipate overall wages will increase in 2026 compared to 2025, fueling hope amid uncertainty.

Interest in full-time work remains strong, with 82% of job seekers focused on securing full-time positions, compared to just 35% considering part-time roles.

Contract and freelance work appeals to 24%, while temporary or seasonal positions hold steady at 23%. Entry-level roles are attracting 22%, and only 11% are willing to accept positions below their most recent pay level, signaling a continued emphasis on stability and growth.

The intensity of job searches is also shifting. Currently, 42% of job seekers report actively looking for a new job, up from 35% in the spring of 2024 but slightly down from 44% in the spring of 2025. This trend suggests a market where urgency is rising but caution remains.

For those already employed, the grind is real: 47% report working longer hours or more shifts than usual in the past year, and 37% have logged more overtime.

Those with household incomes above $50,000 are feeling the strain most, with 49% working longer hours and 39% taking on more overtime, compared to 36% and 28% among lower-income workers.

Why are employed job seekers looking to make a move?

• 42% want better growth opportunities within their current industry.
• 41% are seeking the work-life balance they’ve been missing.
• 36% cite the need to negotiate better compensation.

Top concerns about staying put:

• 34% worry about not getting the salary increase they deserve.
• 32% fear a slowdown in work opportunities.
• 28% are concerned about losing their job if the economy declines.

Despite these pressures, satisfaction gaps remain a driving force behind career decisions.

Salary continues to lead with a 20-point gap between importance and satisfaction, followed by work-life balance at seven points and advancement opportunities at five points. While these gaps have narrowed slightly since the spring of 2025, they underscore persistent frustrations that could shape the job market in the months ahead.

“As the job market continues to evolve, success will come to those who stay focused, flexible and proactive,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “Job seekers who invest in their skills, remain open to new opportunities and clearly communicate their value will be best positioned to thrive and find the right fit in 2026.”

Survey Methodology
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 7 to 20, 2025, among 1,003 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

This holiday season, generosity may come with strings attached.

OKLAHOMA CITY — As festive lights go up and office parties fill calendars, a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey reveals a surprising truth: while workplace celebrations and gift exchanges are widespread, many employees feel more pressured than joyful when it comes to giving.

Nearly all U.S. hiring managers (94%) say their company hosts celebrations, most commonly for holidays (61%), birthdays (51%) and work anniversaries (50%). And nearly two-thirds (64%) report that employees regularly exchange gifts. But beneath the surface of these cheerful traditions lies a growing sense of obligation.

Gift-Giving Pressure in the Workplace
From interns to executives, no one seems exempt from the unwritten rules of workplace gift-giving. More than half of hiring managers say their employees feel compelled to give gifts to:

• Direct Reports: 56%
• Managers/Supervisors: 55%
• Mentors, Peers and/or Senior Leadership: 52%

Notably, more than a third say their employees feel a lot of, or extreme, pressure.

Among job seekers, the sentiment is echoed. While 87% report their company hosts celebrations and 54% say gift exchanges are common, around half feel pressured to give gifts to coworkers — especially for birthdays, work anniversaries or holidays.

However, three-quarters (75%) say they are comfortable giving gifts to peers for personal occasions.

Younger Workers Feel It More

Gen Z and millennials are significantly more likely than Gen X to feel extreme pressure:

• • To give gifts to managers: 33% and 29% vs. 10%
  • To senior leadership: 32% and 27% vs. 12%
  • To mentors: 37% and 24% vs. 12%

The Financial and Emotional Toll:
Most job seekers (71%) also say the pressure to give gifts disproportionately affects employees who earn less, while 68% believe it opens the door to favoritism. Additionally, 62% agree these exchanges foster a sense of obligation that can negatively impact team dynamics.

Nearly half (46%) feel pressured to spend a specific amount on gifts, adding financial strain to what should be a season of goodwill.

“Gift giving is never about the item itself. It’s about the relationship,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “In any workplace, the real value comes from the exchange of support, time and shared achievements. When expectations around price or participation creep in, it shifts the focus away from what matters. The holidays should strengthen connections, not create pressure or financial strain. The real value is in the relationship.”

Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 2 to 28, 2025, among 1,000 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 12 to 27, 2025, among 1,000 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

This Thanksgiving, Employers Say Thanks — But Are They Saying It Often Enough?

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gratitude is at the heart of Thanksgiving, and in the workplace, recognition is its closest cousin.

Nearly all U.S. hiring managers (99%) believe recognizing employees for their work is important, and more than half (53%) say it’s “absolutely essential,” according to a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey. Yet 45% admit they don’t have the resources to manage recognition effectively.

Recognition isn’t just seasonal, it’s strategic year-round.

Nearly 9 in 10 employers (89%) agree it’s a competitive advantage, and 93% say it significantly boosts loyalty. Leadership understands the stakes:

• 85% believe recognition helps reduce turnover
• 82% are willing to invest in recognition for long-term success

When recognition happens, the benefits ripple through the organization. Employers say employees feel valued (64%), morale rises (60%), productivity improves (57%), engagement grows (52%) and loyalty strengthens (51%).

How Companies Give Thanks
Most employers say recognition is frequent and ongoing (71%), often through private praise (70%), public praise in meetings (65%) and shoutouts in company communications (59%). But for many employees, these gestures are rare.

Among job seekers:

• Only 54% say recognition is regular while 46% say it’s reserved for big wins
• Monthly recognition is uncommon — private praise (27%), shoutouts (24%), public praise (20%)
• Most employed job seekers (72%) say they currently feel or previously felt appropriately recognized for their contributions at work

Job seekers echo the importance of gratitude:

• 74% agree leadership understands recognition reduces turnover
• 68% say leadership is willing to invest in recognition

Experts recommend varied, personalized approaches, from on-the-spot praise to special projects and non-monetary rewards. A Forbes article notes recognition can lead to a 366% increase in fulfillment and 208% increase in community, creating a culture of gratitude that extends beyond the holiday season.

“Recognition is a simple act with a powerful impact,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “It’s the everyday expression of gratitude that builds trust and strengthens teams. When companies make recognition a priority, they create an environment where employees feel valued, morale improves and productivity rises. In a season focused on giving thanks, it’s a reminder that appreciation should be part of every day, not just once a year.”

Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 2 to 28, 2025, among 1,000 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 12 to 27, 2025, among 1,000 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

Survey shows rapid AI adoption, but a critical training gap, as automation accelerates.

OKLAHOMA CITY — While 72% of U.S. hiring managers say their company uses AI — up from 66% last fall — 55% admit their company doesn’t have the resources or training to help employees use it effectively.

This is according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

Employers Embrace AI, But Fear Falling Behind
AI’s promise of productivity and collaboration has driven adoption, with 34% of companies using it regularly, a jump from 25% last year. And the long-term strategy seems clear: 76% of hiring decision-makers agree training employees on AI is essential for success. Yet readiness gaps loom large, not only for employers but also for workers.

In fact, more than half of employed job seekers (54%) share the same concern about their own companies lacking resources or training, underscoring a widespread challenge across the workforce.

AI: Ally or Job Killer?
Job seekers agree training is critical, with 75% believing it’s essential for companies to succeed, but anxiety runs deep. Nearly two-thirds (64%) worry AI will significantly limit job opportunities, and 47% fear their job could be eliminated entirely.

Concerns spike among Gen Z (74%) and lower-income workers (70%). Gender differences also emerge: employed men are more likely than women to fear being replaced (52% vs. 43%).

Beyond job loss, many fear skills will erode:

• 37% say employees will put in less effort
• 37% worry about losing creativity
• 36% fear problem-solving will decline
• 35% cite skill development loss
• 32% predict weaker collaboration

Despite Concerns, Job Seekers Turn to AI
Even as they worry, job seekers are leveraging AI to get ahead. The majority believe it’s appropriate to use generative AI for key steps in the job hunt:

• 82% for drafting resumes and cover letters
• 69% for creating professional headshots
• 53% for answering interview questions in real time

“AI is advancing at an unprecedented pace, but success isn’t measured by speed alone. It’s about balance,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “The key is to harness AI efficiently while preserving the human qualities that drive creativity, judgment and collaboration. Technology should amplify human potential, not replace it.”

Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 2 to 28, 2025, among 1,000 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 12 to 27, 2025, among 1,000 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.