Survey: 63% of Businesses Say Filling Positions is "Difficult"

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 10, 2016) - Express Employment Professionals released new survey results today revealing the increasing difficulty employers face when trying to recruit and fill positions.

Respondents were asked, "Currently, how easy is it for you to recruit and fill positions?" The results represent the expectations businesses had for the second quarter of 2016.

Only six percent said "very easy," while 26 percent said "somewhat easy." Thirty-nine percent, said "somewhat difficult," 24 percent said "very difficult," and another six percent said, "I don't know."

Express has asked this question for the past six quarters. The current survey produced the highest percentage of respondents saying "very difficult."

"For years, it's been hard for businesses to fill positions. That may be surprising to some given that many unemployed workers have been so discouraged with the job market they have given up looking for work altogether," said Bob Funk, CEO of Express. "There are jobs available. There are workers out there. But for a variety of reasons, including a skills mismatch, they are not connecting.

"What's most notable about this quarter's survey is the uptick in respondents saying it's 'very difficult' to fill positions. It does make sense, though, as the unemployment rate ticks down."

The survey of 390 businesses, which are current and former clients of Express Employment Professionals, covers hiring trends for the second quarter of 2016.

The survey of 390 businesses in the United States and Canada that are current and former clients of Express Employment Professionals was conducted in the second quarter of 2016.

If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bob Funk to discuss this topic, please contact Kellie Major at (613) 222-7488.

About Robert A. Funk

Robert A. "Bob" Funk is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the international staffing company has franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Under his leadership, Express has put more than 6 million people to work worldwide. Funk served as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and was also the Chairman of the Conference of Chairmen of the Federal Reserve.

About Express Employment Professionals and Express in Canada

Express Employment Professionals puts people to work. It generated $3.02 billion in sales and employed a record 500,002 people in 2015. Its long-term goal is to put a million people to work annually. Express launched in Canada in July 1996, with a franchise in London, Ontario, and since then, has expanded and grown across Canada significantly. There are currently 37 Express franchises in Canada - six in British Columbia, five in Alberta, two in Saskatchewan, 23 in Ontario and one in Nova Scotia.