Jeremy Thacker was no stranger to entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, he had owned multiple businesses and some franchises, but he hadn’t found the type of business he felt would endure until he retired. He knew he wanted to pursue the franchise route, having had experience growing businesses from the ground up. He was familiar with the benefits of a proven, turnkey franchise model. By Kelsi Trinidad
As AI spreads rapidly across workplaces, employees and hiring managers agree the biggest gap isn’t technology; it’s training.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Artificial intelligence is reshaping how work gets done, but most employees say they’ve been handed the tools without the training to use them effectively, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.
More than 8 in 10 U.S. job seekers (83%) say companies need to formally train employees on how to use AI, rather than expecting them to learn on their own. And hiring managers agree, as 86% say formal AI training should be a company priority.
That urgency reflects just how quickly AI has shifted from optional to expected in the workplace.
Nearly 8 in 10 U.S. companies (79%) now use AI, with more than 2 in 5 (43%) reporting regular use. Just two years ago, only 66% of companies reported using AI, a figure that climbed to 72% in the spring of 2025 and has continued rising since.
Employees feel the acceleration firsthand. Sixty‑two percent of employed U.S. job seekers say their company uses AI at work, including 22% who say it’s already part of their regular workflow.
The result: AI is everywhere, but training has fallen behind.
The Adoption Curve Is Outrunning Readiness
Among companies using AI, reliance is increasing fast. Eighty‑nine percent of hiring managers say their company’s dependence on AI tools has significantly increased over the past year, signaling that AI is no longer experimental or optional.
Adoption is especially widespread among:
At the same time, employees are increasingly open to learning with AI. Seventy‑six percent of job seekers say it’s appropriate to learn professional skills using AI, including 27% who say it’s completely appropriate.
Rules Without Roadmaps
Seventy‑eight percent of hiring managers say their company has policies regulating AI use, a view shared by 78% of job seekers whose company uses AI.
But when it comes to actual tools, direction is inconsistent:
That lack of clarity leaves many employees navigating powerful technology largely on their own.
The Upside Companies Risk Missing
Despite the training gap, workers remain optimistic about AI’s potential, especially when it comes to building their skills.
Three‑quarters of job seekers believe AI can be part of the solution, not the problem. Seventy‑five percent say their company’s AI tools can help bridge skills gaps, and an equal share say they are likely to seek additional training in response to AI advancements. Nearly one‑third (31%) say they are very likely to do so.
Hiring managers largely back that optimism. Eighty‑one percent say their company already has the tools needed to train new hires in AI‑driven workflows, suggesting the obstacle is less about capability and more about follow‑through.
When asked how companies should prepare future talent as AI expands, hiring managers most often point to hands‑on, employer‑led approaches:
“AI adoption is moving faster than most organizational change ever has,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “What this data shows is that companies have focused on getting the technology in place, but not enough on helping people use it effectively. Training is what determines whether AI becomes a source of real productivity or just another tool employees are left to navigate on their own.”
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.
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 more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
New survey shows referrals build trust, accelerate decisions and give candidates a clear edge many overlook.
OKLAHOMA CITY — A referral may be the closest thing to a “shortcut” in today’s job market, and a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey shows just how powerful that endorsement can be. A striking 90% of U.S. hiring managers say employee referrals make hiring more efficient, and 91% say a strong internal reference can open doors that would otherwise stay closed.
Yet despite its impact, most job seekers aren’t tapping into it.
A referral does more than boost visibility. It fundamentally changes how hiring managers perceive a candidate.
In a crowded labor market, a single name can be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked.
But while referrals can be a deciding factor for hiring managers, job seekers rarely recognize their value. Only 40% believe a referral helps them stand out, revealing a significant disconnect between how influence is perceived on each side of the hiring process.
Referrals Work When Relationships Are Real
Hiring managers value referrals, but they also value authenticity.
The power of a referral doesn’t begin when a candidate needs a job. It begins long before that through trust, history and genuine connection.
The Strength — And Limits — of a Referral
Even with its undeniable impact, hiring managers are realistic about the boundaries of a referral.
Referrals open doors, but they don’t replace a true assessment of skills, culture or potential. They accelerate opportunity, not guarantee it.
“Referrals have always carried weight, but what this data shows is that they carry responsibility too,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “The strongest recommendations come from relationships built on consistency and genuine connection, not convenience. When people invest in each other over time, they create opportunities that no algorithm can match. A referral isn’t just a name on an email. It’s trust earned through showing up. That’s what moves careers forward.”
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.
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 more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
The shift is reshaping how people build careers, signaling a growing desire for deeper, more meaningful professional relationships.
OKLAHOMA CITY — A growing majority of Americans say networking no longer feels like relationship‑building but a thinly veiled transaction — and new survey data shows just how pervasive that discomfort has become.
According to a recent Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey, 79% of U.S. hiring managers and 75% of job seekers say networking today feels more like a business transaction than a genuine personal connection.
At the same time, 84% of job seekers say networking is primarily about identifying job opportunities — not building relationships — revealing a widening gap between what professionals want networking to be and what it has turned into.
And the problem goes far deeper than awkward small talk.
Tech Is Making Networking Worse
Online platforms were supposed to make meeting people easier, but instead, they’ve introduced a new layer of artificiality.
And perhaps the most telling figure: 85% of hiring managers now evaluate networking contacts based strictly on their influence or usefulness.
In other words, the “what can you do for me?” energy is unmistakable.
Younger Workers Feel It the Most
Gen Z and millennials — the generations most fluent in digital networking — are also the ones most likely to say it feels shallow, performative or forced.
Their concerns echo a broader trend. In separate national research by Freeman, 91% of Gen Z professionals say in‑person events are essential to building real interpersonal skills, and over two‑thirds believe technology has left them feeling less connected at work.
The Return of Real Connection
While nearly all hiring managers (92%) and job seekers (84%) agree networking is critical for getting a foot in the door, there’s mounting frustration with how it’s done.
The disconnect is clear. People want opportunity, but they don’t want to feel like a commodity.
With 81% of hiring decision-makers agreeing that authentic relationships are difficult to build when networking feels transactional, both sides appear ready for something different.
“The most valuable connections in our professional lives come from showing up with authenticity and a genuine interest in others,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “When we approach conversations with openness rather than expectation, we create the foundation for relationships that grow over time. Technology can help us meet, but it’s our human commitment to listen, engage and invest in people that gives those connections lasting worth.”
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.
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 more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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 more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
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.
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 more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
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:
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.
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 more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
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:
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.
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 more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
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:
“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.
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 more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
About ClearlyRated
ClearlyRated is the leading CX platform designed specifically for professional services firms. We help firms leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, fuel data-driven action, build reputation and future-proof their organizations with third-party validation. Learn more at ClearlyRated.com/Solutions.
About Best of Staffing®
ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award is the only award in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients, placed talent, and internal employees. Award winners are showcased by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com—an online business directory that helps buyers of professional services find service leaders and vet prospective firms with the help of validated client ratings and testimonials.
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:
“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.
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 more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.