Survey: 63% of Businesses Say Filling Positions is “Difficult”
OKLAHOMA CITY - August 10, 2016
24% Say "Very Difficult" - Highest of Past Six Quarters
Only 6% Report Filling Positions is "Very Easy"
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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, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. "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.
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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 more than 760 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
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.
For More Information:
Sheena Karami
Director of Corporate Communications and PR
Express Employment Professionals
(405) 840-5000
sheena.karami@expresspros.com