staffing solutions

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.

New survey reveals why fears of quick exits and low engagement keep companies from fully embracing top talent.

OKLAHOMA CITY — A new survey from Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll reveals a growing tension in the hiring process: while most employers welcome overqualified candidates, concerns about retention and motivation often outweigh the benefits, leaving job seekers frustrated and anxious.

Employers See Value — But Worry About Retention
Seven in 10 U.S. hiring managers (70%) say their company typically considers overqualified candidates. The reasons are clear:

• 50% believe they have more confidence on the job
• 48% say they’re more productive
• 47% cite better decision-making skills
• 46% value their ability to mentor junior employees
• 45% appreciate that they require little to no training

But hesitation runs deep. Three-quarters of employers believe overqualified hires struggle to stay motivated in lower-level roles (75%), and nearly as many fear they’ll leave as soon as a better opportunity comes along (74%). More than a quarter strongly agree with these concerns (26% and 28%, respectively). In fact, nearly 3 in 5 (58%) would rather train someone new than risk disengagement from an overqualified employee.

Job Seekers Feel the Pressure
For job seekers, the presence of overqualified candidates feels like an uneven playing field.

• 55% say it’s impossible to compete against them.
• 74% believe companies are more likely to hire an overqualified applicant than someone with only entry-level experience.
• 67% worry employers prefer these candidates because they “bring more to the table,” even if the role doesn’t match their level.

Despite these concerns, most job seekers aren’t backing down. Eighty-seven percent believe it’s appropriate to apply for jobs they’re overqualified for, and nearly two-thirds (65%) have done so, often for reasons beyond pay, such as better work-life balance (56%) or passion for the industry (41%). The need for income remains the top motivator (59%).

Generational Differences Add Complexity
Younger job seekers feel the pressure most. Gen Z and millennials are significantly more likely than Gen X to believe it’s impossible to compete against overqualified candidates (67% and 60% vs. 44%) and to think companies favor them (84% and 77% vs. 66%). They’re also more likely to worry that employers prefer overqualified candidates because they bring more to the table (73% and 72% vs. 57%).

“Overqualified candidates represent a chance to secure top talent in today’s market,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “The key is to focus on skills-based hiring, which widens the talent pool by looking beyond résumés and degrees and makes the best use of a candidate’s abilities and ambition. Without that alignment, the risk of a quick exit is real.”

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.

Twenty-five percent expect a six-month search, and 83% are willing to take different roles to secure work.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The labor market is sending mixed signals, and America’s job seekers are taking notice. While employers may feel confident, workers are bracing for a tougher road ahead, and many are already making moves.

The latest Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey paints a clear picture: nearly 8 in 10 job seekers (78%) believe employers have the upper hand in today’s market. That perception is fueling action. Forty-four percent of job seekers are actively looking for a new job, a steady climb from 41% in fall 2024 and just 35% in spring 2024.

But optimism is in short supply:

• 59% believe it will be harder to find a job in the next six months, up significantly from 48% in fall 2024 who believed there were fewer job opportunities.
• 48% now believe there are fewer job opportunities than a year ago, a sharp increase from 33% in fall 2024.
• 25% expect it will take more than six months to find a job.
• 48% still hope for a wage increase within the next year, though confidence is waning.

And for some, the timeline feels daunting: one in four job seekers (25%) expect it will take more than six months to find a job, signaling growing anxiety about the future.

Challenges Ahead
Finding the right fit remains the biggest hurdle. More than half (52%) say their top challenge is finding opportunities that match their qualifications, while 46% worry about landing a job quickly enough to cover basic expenses. Another 44% struggle to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Barriers compound these challenges:

• 43% cite lack of relevant experience
• 36% point to limited openings in their field
• 30% say their skills don’t align with employer demands

Flexibility Becomes a Survival Strategy
Faced with uncertainty, job seekers are broadening their horizons. Eighty-three percent are willing to accept a different role than initially planned, and 75% would consider temporary or contract work. Some are even willing to make bigger sacrifices—24% would relocate, 23% would switch industries and 19% would take a pay cut.

Why They’re Leaving—and What They Fear
The motivations for change are clear—42% want better pay, 39% seek improved work-life balance and 31% are chasing career advancement.

At the same time, fears about current roles loom large:

• 40% worry about layoffs
• 31% fear reduced hours or pay
• 31% see no path for advancement

“Today’s labor market is full of contradictions. Opportunities exist, but finding the right fit is harder than ever,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “Job seekers who understand these dynamics and seek expert guidance from staffing companies like Express are better equipped to navigate uncertainty, shorten their search and uncover roles they might otherwise miss.”

Survey Methodology
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.

New survey reveals disconnect: Nearly half of hiring managers say employee concerns about job security are rising, despite widespread use of retention policies.

OKLAHOMA CITY — As economic uncertainty continues to shape the labor market, a new Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey reveals a striking contrast between employer confidence and employee concern about job security.

While 84% of companies are confident in their ability to provide both short- and long-term job security, 46% believe their employees are more concerned about job security now than they were a year ago.

Transparency and Communication Matter
The survey shows 46% of hiring managers say their company takes an “all hands on deck” approach to communicating job security and organizational stability, meaning leadership consistently and transparently shares information with employees. This approach is more common among white-collar leaders (49%) than blue-collar leaders (36%).

Conversely, 54% of blue-collar hiring managers favor a “selective sharing” approach, where information is shared only as needed, compared to 34% of white-collar leaders.

From the employee perspective, 88% of job seekers say they would feel more secure working for a company that clearly communicates its future. However, only 33% report their company uses an “all hands on deck” approach, while 49% say their company uses “selective sharing,” and 18% report an “at arm’s-length” approach, where leadership rarely shares information.

Policies That Support Job Security
Employers are backing their confidence with action. Eighty-seven percent of hiring managers report their company uses specific policies or practices to support job security, including:

• Upskilling/reskilling opportunities (37%)
• Reducing expenses in other areas to avoid layoffs (35%)
• Creating emergency funds/reserve budgets (28%)
• Utilizing flexible staffing models (27%)
• Using data analysis to forecast staffing needs (26%)
• Covering the cost of employee education (25%)

These practices align with what job seekers say would make them feel more confident about long-term job security:

• Training for additional roles/responsibilities (41%)
• Clearer communication from senior leadership (41%)
• Access to cross-training or upskilling programs (38%)

External Pressures and Stress
While companies are taking steps to protect jobs, external factors continue to weigh heavily on workers. Seventy-two percent of hiring managers say changes to government policies (e.g., tariffs, taxes, regulations) have a bigger long-term impact on job security than internal company decisions.

Recent studies reinforce the emotional toll of job insecurity:

• A Staffing Industry Analysts report found 81% of U.S. adults are worried about losing their jobs in 2025.
• The American Psychological Association’s 2025 Work in America study revealed:
  • 44% of employed adults said they were concerned that an economic slump, downturn or recession could lead to being laid off, furloughed or having their job eliminated within the year.
  • 54% say job insecurity significantly impacts their stress levels at work.

“In a labor market shaped by uncertainty, job security is no longer just about stability. It’s about adaptability,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “Organizations that invest in transparent communication and continuous skill development aren’t just retaining talent, they’re building a workforce equipped to navigate change and drive long-term growth.”

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.

Economic Uncertainty Drives Strategic Shifts in Job Search Behavior and Confidence in Traditional Employment

OKLAHOMA CITY — As recession fears intensify, U.S. job seekers are confronting a stark reality: job security may no longer be guaranteed, even for top performers.

According to a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, 73% of job seekers agree that no job is secure, no matter how well an employee performs, and 71% say job security is becoming a thing of the past. These concerns are reshaping how Americans approach their careers, with many reporting a dramatic shift in their sense of stability.

• 67% of employed job seekers say they used to feel stable in their careers, but now everything feels uncertain.
• Gen Z workers are especially affected, with 33% strongly agreeing, compared to 22% of millennials and Gen X.

Recession Fears Reshape Job Search Behavior
While only 50% of job seekers expect a recession in the next 12 months, and 24% believe it will happen within six months, nearly 1 in 10 (9%) say we’re already in one. These fears are driving significant changes in job search strategies:

• 74% are concerned about finding a job during a potential or ongoing recession, with 32% saying they are very concerned.
• Concern is highest among those with household incomes under $50K (82% vs. 72% for those earning more).
• 73% worry that any job they accept now may be at risk if the economy worsens.
• 71% feel the current job market forces them to settle for less than they’re qualified for.
• 51% are more concerned about job security than they were a year ago.

Strategic Shifts in Job Search Behavior
Faced with economic uncertainty, job seekers are adapting in real time:

• 65% say fear of a recession influences their willingness to negotiate salary or benefits.
• Many are changing their job search strategy:

• • 38% are more open to different work environments
  • 31% are applying to roles outside their target industry
  • 27% are applying to roles they’re overqualified for
  • 23% are willing to relocate
  • 21% are more open to lower salaries

Additionally, 65% believe contract and freelance work offer more control over their future than traditional full-time jobs.

Confidence in Employers and Government Policy
Despite widespread anxiety, most employed job seekers still express confidence in their current employers:

• 73% are confident in their company’s ability to provide short-term job security, with 28% very confident.
• 69% are confident in long-term job security, with 26% very confident.
• However, 74% say changes in government policies have a bigger impact on job security than decisions made by company leadership.

“In times of economic uncertainty, job seekers should focus on adaptability and self-investment,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “Expand your search, sharpen your skills and stay open to new opportunities, even those outside your comfort zone. The most successful candidates aren’t just looking for jobs; they’re building resilience for whatever comes next.”

Survey Methodology
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.

61% Say Recession Prep Is Pulling Focus from Company’s Long-Term Future

OKLAHOMA CITY — With 80% of U.S. hiring managers bracing for a recession, nearly half expecting it within the next year, businesses aren’t waiting to feel the impact. They’re already shifting gears, scaling back hiring, rewriting long-term plans and making tough choices between protecting today and investing in tomorrow.

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

The data paints a picture of cautious optimism clouded by economic anxiety:

• 94% say a recession would impact their organization, and 60% anticipate a major or moderate effect.
• 36% admit their company may not survive a recession this year, rising to 57% among blue-collar employers.

Despite these concerns, many employers still see opportunities:

• 78% believe their company will be in a better economic position by year’s end.
• 58% view a potential recession as more of a growth opportunity than a threat.

Still, the looming threat is already influencing hiring decisions. More than a third of companies (35%) say they would reduce hiring if a recession occurs, up from 30% in the spring of 2022, and 17% would freeze hiring altogether. In anticipation, 83% of employers have taken proactive steps to prepare, including:

• Cutting unnecessary expenses (45%)
• Streamlining processes (29%)
• Cross-training employees (26%)
• Not filling vacated roles (23%)
• Conducting layoffs (19%)

These actions align with projections from the Congressional Budget Office, which estimates that a moderate recession could raise unemployment from 4.2% to as high as 7.5%, potentially resulting in up to 5 million job losses.

However, the cost of preparation is not just financial; it’s strategic. Many companies are already feeling the strain:

• 61% say recession planning has taken time away from efforts to improve their organization’s long-term future.
• 57% report having to overhaul strategic plans since the beginning of the year. This includes 65% of blue-collar and 54% of white-collar employers.

When asked what would help them navigate a downturn, hiring managers pointed to:

• Training and upskilling programs (60%)
• Flexible staffing solutions (39%)
• Clearer communication from leadership (33%)

The most resilient companies don’t just react to economic shifts; they use them as catalysts to become more efficient,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “By streamlining operations and investing in versatile talent, businesses can position themselves for long-term success in any environment.”

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.

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.

New Survey Reveals a Shift in Sentiment as Companies Weigh Caution Against Opportunity

OKLAHOMA CITY — As summer unfolds, many U.S. 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 (78%) still feel positive about their company’s hiring outlook for the remainder of 2025, that optimism has dimmed since last fall, when 84% felt confident. At the same time, concern is growing: 37% now express a negative outlook, up from 30% just months ago.

Behind these shifting sentiments lies a more restrained hiring strategy. Only 58% of companies plan to increase their workforce in the second half of the year, a noticeable drop from 63% in the fall of 2024. One-third of employers expect to hold steady, while 7% anticipate cutting back.

For those still planning to hire, the reasons are clear: they need to manage growing workloads (52%), fill newly created roles (49%) and replace employees lost to turnover (42%). But for others, the focus has shifted to tightening budgets. Among companies planning to reduce staff, more than half (54%) cite cost-cutting as the primary driver, followed by adapting to government policy changes (26%) and responding to declining demand (25%).

The types of roles companies are targeting are also evolving. Full-time positions remain the most sought-after (81%), though that figure has dipped from 86% last fall. Part-time roles are gaining traction (28%), and hiring is now evenly split between entry-level and mid-level positions (50% each). Notably, entry-level hiring has dropped sharply from 68% in the spring of 2024.

“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 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.

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 — Robert A. Funk, co-founder and executive chairman of Express Employment International, passed away at the age of 85 at his home, Express Ranches, in Yukon, Oklahoma.

A trailblazing entrepreneur and devoted leader, Bob was admired for his steadfast faith, commitment to helping others, and belief in the transformative power of work. Throughout his lifetime, he helped grow Express Employment Professionals into one of the world’s leading staffing firms, creating opportunities for individuals and businesses across North America and beyond.

“My father was a trailblazing entrepreneur who loved the American West and lived true to its values of honesty, respect, ruggedness, self-reliance, loyalty and hard work,” said Bob Funk, Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “He played a pivotal role in shaping the vision and growth of Express Employment Professionals, the company he co-founded in 1983. For more than four decades, he remained committed to putting people to work and offering hope through employment. His job-creating mission continues to resonate across our global enterprise and helped build the top staffing franchise in America.”

Bob Funk Sr. served as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City from 2006 to 2007. In 2007, he also held the role of Chairman of the Conference of Chairmen for the Federal Reserve Bank System.

His contributions to the staffing industry were widely recognized, including his induction into the American Staffing Association Hall of Fame in 2023, the Staffing 100 Hall of Fame by Staffing Industry Review in 2017, and the International Franchise Association Hall of Fame in 2010.

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, he was a successful cattleman, renowned globally for the Angus cattle operations. Teamed with his dear friend, Jarold Callahan, who passed away late last year, Express Ranches became the world’s largest producer of registered Angus cattle. His love for the land, respect for the animals and commitment to his colleagues were all part of his multifaceted character.

Bob Funk Sr.’s legacy extends beyond his corporate and cattle operations. His dedication to Western culture, community service and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark on Oklahoma and beyond. He served as Chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Oklahoma Youth Expo.

Recognizing his impactful leadership and invaluable service to Oklahoma and the great American West, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2017 and into the Hall of Great Westerners in 2023 by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Under his leadership, he re-energized the Oklahoma Youth Expo, making it the nation’s largest annual junior livestock show, with over 7,000 participants across Oklahoma. Few events brought him more joy than young livestock enthusiasts showcasing their hard work and dedication.

He was a dedicated supporter of the Cowboy Hall of Fame & National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. His contributions, in terms of time and money, significantly advanced the institution’s mission of preserving America’s Western heritage.

“His legacy is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to his values,” Bob Funk, Jr., added. “It will continue to thrive through the businesses he founded, the organizations he supported and the countless lives he touched. Beyond his success as a business leader, those closest to him will remember him as a kind, generous and compassionate man who loved people and lived by the Western values he held dear. Our family is heartbroken and feel his absence deeply.”

Statement from Larry Nichols, Co-Founder and former Executive Chair of Devon Energy:

“I was sad to learn the news of the passing of Bob Funk Sr., a man whose personal qualities were as remarkable as his professional achievements. He was not only a prominent Oklahoma City businessperson but also a visionary who transformed the city through his tireless work and unwavering dedication. His creation of the globally renowned staffing company Express Employment Professionals provided employment opportunities for millions across this country and beyond. His support for the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and his reimagining of the Oklahoma Youth Expo into the world’s largest junior livestock show were testaments to his passion and commitment. His advocacy for CareerTech and contribution to the state’s education system will always be remembered and admired.”

Statement from Tyler Norvell, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Youth Expo:

“Bob Funk Sr.’s connection to the Oklahoma Youth Expo was profound and transformative. His unwavering dedication and dynamic vision drove the Expo’s growth into the giant annual event it is today. His passion for empowering young Oklahomans from every county in our state was unparalleled and life-changing. Through their hard work, care and commitment, these young individuals displayed their livestock each year—a testament to their resilience and determination and a reflection of Bob’s belief in their potential. Witnessing over 7,500 4-H and FFA members come together every spring filled Bob with immense happiness. Bob was optimistic about Oklahoma’s future because he saw firsthand the potential in these fine young men and ladies participating in the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Bob’s spirit lives on through the countless lives touched by this event. We are not just indebted to him but committed to carrying forward his vision—to ensure that the Oklahoma Youth Expo remains a platform for growth, learning and community. We will continue to nurture dreams, reward hard work and foster the emergence of the next generation of leaders, just as Bob would have wanted.”

Statement from Cathy Keating, former first lady of Oklahoma:

“With a heavy heart, I reflect on the passing of Bob Funk Sr., a remarkable man whose impact on our community and beyond was immeasurable. Having collaborated with him for decades, I can attest to his unwavering commitment to making a difference. He was a true advocate for our state. His dedication to community engagement and charitable endeavors was evident in every project he championed. Whether supporting local schools, healthcare initiatives or cultural institutions, Bob’s caring heart drove him to invest financially and with his time and energy. Bob’s legacy is woven into the fabric of countless lives that his philanthropic efforts have touched. He understood that true prosperity lies in giving back. His love for the employees at Express Employment Professionals stood out. Few things brought him joy than acknowledging, rewarding and thanking his colleagues nationwide. He recognized that their hard work and dedication were instrumental in advancing the company. Bob’s leadership style was one of appreciation and empowerment. He was a dear and cherished friend of Frank and mine, and we will miss him greatly. 

***

For media inquiries, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

Express Employment Professionals Partners with The Harris Poll to Reveal How Burnout, Poor Training and Culture Gaps Are Fueling a Leadership Crisis

OKLAHOMA CITY — Express Employment Professionals announces the release of a new white paper, “Strained, Stressed, and Stepping Away: The Supervisor Crisis and What Employers Must Do Now,” which explores the growing leadership vacuum in American workplaces and the high cost of failing to support frontline supervisors.