OKLAHOMA CITY, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Commercial and administrative industries will likely see hiring increases for the second quarter, according to a national hiring trends survey conducted by Express Employment Professionals, one of the nation's largest privately-held staffing companies.

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Express surveyed nearly 19,000 current and former clients across the company's more than 550 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Survey results indicate that 39 percent of respondents plan to hire for commercial/light industrial positions and 29 percent of respondents anticipate hiring for administrative/office clerical positions.

Additionally, 13 percent plan to hire for engineering and accounting positions, while 12 percent plan to hire for information technology and marketing positions.

Express also surveyed 15,000 current and former clients regarding company morale. Top factors cited as contributing to low morale in the workplace include: increased workload, layoffs or job insecurity, employees not feeling valued, poor communication and lack of confidence in management.

Nearly half of participants noticed a drop in morale among their employees and 62 percent of company leaders attribute the drop to increased workloads.

According to the Labor Department, the U.S. economy generated the same output in the fourth quarter of 2010 with seven million fewer workers compared to three years ago.

"It's a vicious circle," said Robert A. Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals. "Coming out of the recession, employers are hesitant to hire full-time workers. As a result, existing staff members are working double-time in an attempt to keep up and losing motivation. During these critical rebuilding years, any downward shift in morale among employees should be addressed quickly."

The survey showed that some employers are making an effort to actively raise company morale by recognizing accomplishments, setting challenging yet realistic goals and offering teambuilding activities. Experts at Express also help combat low morale and engagement issues in their client's workplaces with surveys, employee performance management systems, targeted training and more.

Worldwide, Express puts nearly 300,000 people to work each year and has over 550 offices in four countries. Express provides expertise in evaluation hire, temporary staffing, professional search and human resources and works across a wide variety of industries. Sales for the Oklahoma City-based company totaled more than $1.9 billion in 2010.

Related Links:

Express Employment Professionals

Raising Company Morale

SOURCE Express Employment Professionals