Express Celebrates the Workers Behind America's Staffing Industry During National Staffing Employee Week

OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- When businesses need talent and job seekers need access to opportunity, staffing employees help close the gap. Express Employment Professionals is celebrating these workers during National Staffing Employee Week, Sept. 14-20, an annual observance led by the American Staffing Association (ASA).

According to ASA, U.S. staffing companies employed 9.5 million temporary and contract employees in 2025. Their assignments help businesses meet workforce needs while giving job seekers access to work that can help them build experience or lead to permanent employment.

For employers, staffing employees provide needed skills and help keep work on track as demand changes. For job seekers, an assignment can offer an introduction to a new workplace and a chance to demonstrate their abilities directly to an employer.

"Staffing employees are the foundation of our industry, and their contributions extend well beyond the positions they fill," said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International. "Every day, they put their skills and experience to work while pursuing opportunities that matter to them. We deeply appreciate their hard work and are grateful for the opportunity to support them in their careers."

Among the Express employees receiving national recognition this year is Dillon Carlson of the Littleton, Colorado, office. ASA named Carlson one of eight finalists for its 2027 National Staffing Employee of the Year awards.

Carlson began working with Express in 2024 following a job search that lasted more than six months. Express placed him with a longtime client company, where he earned a permanent position and the respect of those who worked with him.

"Express is an awesome company, and I couldn't be where I'm at without them," Carlson said. "This recognition is very inspiring to me, and I'm proud to have earned it. I'm grateful to Express for the opportunity and support."

The National Staffing Employee of the Year program recognizes temporary or contract employees whose careers demonstrate how staffing helps job seekers move into permanent employment, enter new fields or gain job flexibility.

The same connections celebrated during National Staffing Employee Week happen every day through Express offices across the country, where job seekers find work and businesses find the people they need. To connect with a local office, visit ExpressPros.com.

If you would like to arrange an interview about National Staffing Employee Week or Carlson's recognition, contact Sheena Hollander, director of corporate communications and PR, at [email protected].

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. He leads a portfolio of workforce solutions brands, including the flagship Express Employment Professionals franchise and affiliated brands serving specialized markets. The Express franchise brand is an 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 the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry through advocacy, research and education while promoting high standards of legal and professional practices. For more information, visit AmericanStaffing.net.

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