New Survey Results: Recent Grads Leave First Jobs Quickly

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 10, 2016) - Express Employment Professionals today released new survey results indicating that more than two-thirds of recent university and college graduates stay at their first career jobs for one year or less.

The findings come from a survey of 134 Express franchisees across the North America. Respondents were asked, "How long does the average recent university and college graduate stay on their first career job following graduation?" A "recent graduate" was defined as an individual graduating within the last 18 months.

Just three per cent said "less than three months," and 10 per cent said "three to six months." The majority, 58 per cent, said "seven months to a year," while 29 per cent said "more than one year."

In 2014, fewer respondents (23 per cent) said "more than one year," while more (63 per cent) said "seven months to one year."

Full results are below, including results from the 2014 and 2013 surveys.

To view the survey results, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/expresspros0210survey.jpg.

"While these results would indicate a slight increase of recent grads staying on their first jobs longer than a year, we're still seeing that most young workers will leave their first jobs fairly quickly," said Bob Funk, CEO of Express, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. "This is a trend we have been observing for a while, meaning the declining unemployment rate hasn't dramatically altered respondents' views.

"Younger workers would be advised to stay in their first job longer in order to gain experience. In addition, employers are looking for loyal people. If a business owner or manger spends months training a person, it's only right for that employee to put their new skills to work for that organization."

The survey of 134 Express Employment Professionals franchisees was conducted in July 2015. Earlier surveys were conducted in 2014 and 2013.

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 5 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.