Debunking Common Staffing Myths

In today’s competitive landscape, hiring the right talent is crucial for business success. Yet, many misconceptions surround the role of staffing agencies, which hinders businesses from leveraging their true potential. Let’s debunk some common myths and explore what truly matters when it comes to finding the perfect staffing partner.

Myth 1: Staffing Agencies are More Expensive Than Hiring In-House.

Reality: Partnering with a reputable agency can actually save you money in the long run.

  • Reduced Time-to-Fill: Staffing agencies have the resources and expertise to quickly identify and screen qualified candidates, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with internal recruitment efforts.
  • Reduced Risk of Bad Hires: By leveraging the agency’s expertise, you minimize the risk of hiring unsuitable candidates, which can be costly.
  • Focus on Core Business: Outsourcing your recruitment needs frees up your internal team to focus on core business objectives, increasing overall efficiency and productivity.
Myth 2: Staffing Agencies Don’t Provide High-Quality Candidates.

Reality: Reputable staffing agencies prioritize quality over quantity. They invest heavily in building strong relationships with candidates, understanding their skills, experience, and career goals. This allows them to match the right talent with the right opportunities, ensuring a higher likelihood of successful placements.

Myth 3: Staffing Agencies Lack Industry Expertise.

Reality: Many top agencies specialize in specific industries. This industry-specific expertise allows them to understand the unique hiring needs and challenges within each sector, enabling them to source and present highly qualified candidates with relevant experience.

Myth 4: Using a Staffing Agency Means Losing Control of the Hiring Process.

Reality: A strong partnership involves collaboration and open communication. Reputable agencies work closely with their clients to understand their specific hiring needs, company culture, and desired candidate profiles. They are an extension of your hiring team, providing valuable insights and ensuring that the hiring process aligns with your company’s goals.

Choosing the Right Staffing Partner

When selecting a staffing agency, consider the following:

  • Industry Expertise: Look for an agency with a proven track record in your industry.
  • Candidate Quality: Inquire about their candidate screening and selection processes.
  • Client Testimonials: Read client reviews and testimonials to gain insights into their experience.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Choose an agency that prioritizes open communication and a collaborative approach.

By debunking these common myths and choosing the right staffing partner, businesses can leverage the expertise and resources of a professional staffing agency. This streamlines the hiring process, reduces costs, and ultimately improves the bottom line. Your internal HR team can focus on strategic initiatives, such as employee development and talent management. By strategically leveraging the strengths of a qualified staffing partner, HR departments can elevate their recruitment efforts, improve their overall effectiveness, and significantly contribute to the success of the organization.

How You Can Make Employees Feel Seen and Appreciated

Retaining top performers remains a major priority for HR professionals. But simply offering competitive salaries and benefits isn’t enough anymore. Employees crave a sense of purpose and belonging – they want to feel valued for their contributions.

But how do you know if your employees actually feel valued?

According to a recent survey, 66% of employees say they would leave their job if they didn’t feel appreciated.

Taking the Temperature: Assessing Employee Value

Before implementing a strategy, it’s crucial to understand your current state. Here are some ways to gauge how valued your employees feel:

  1. Employee engagement surveys: Regular surveys with anonymous responses can provide valuable insights into employee satisfaction and areas for improvement.
  2. Exit interviews: Exit interviews offer a chance to understand why an employee is leaving and identify recurring themes related to feeling valued.
  3. Focus groups: Organize small group discussions to gather qualitative feedback on company culture, recognition, and professional development opportunities.
  4. Stay interviews: Proactive check-ins with high performers can help identify potential roadblocks and ensure they feel valued enough to stay.

By using these methods, you can establish a baseline and track progress as you implement initiatives to cultivate a culture of value.

1. Invest in Recognition (Beyond the Annual Review)

Once you understand your employees’ needs, you can tailor your approach. Here are some key strategies to consider:

  • Peer-to-peer recognition programs: 41% of employees want to be recognized by a peer, so allow employees to publicly thank their colleagues for their support or going the extra mile.
  • Spot bonuses or small gifts: A timely reward for exceeding expectations shows employees their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.
  • Personalized feedback: Public praise is great, but don’t underestimate the power of a sincere “thank you” or a handwritten note.
2. Prioritize Growth and Development

Employees who feel stagnant and unchallenged are more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. In fact, 65% of employees prefer non-monetary incentives. Focus on professional development by:

  • Offering training and mentorship programs: Help employees build new skills and advance their careers within the company.
  • Encouraging cross-departmental collaboration: Broaden perspectives and expose employees to new areas of the business.
  • Supporting educational pursuits: Consider tuition reimbursement programs or offering flexible hours to attend relevant courses.
3. Foster Open Communication and Feedback

Employees who feel heard and valued are more engaged. Create a safe space for open communication by:

  • Conducting regular employee surveys: Gather feedback on company culture, workload, and development opportunities.
  • Organize town hall meetings: Give leadership the chance to address concerns and share company goals.
  • Implement an “open door” policy: Encourage employees to feel comfortable approaching HR or managers with questions or concerns.

Don’t just tuck these concerns away, utilize them when creating action plans.

4. Promote Work-Life Balance and Well-Being

Feeling valued extends beyond work itself:

  • Offering flexible work arrangements: Allow employees to manage their workloads and personal lives effectively.
  • Promoting healthy habits: Organize wellness programs or offer gym memberships to support employee well-being.
  • Recognizing the importance of personal time: Encourage employees to use PTO and avoid glorifying overwork.

By implementing these strategies, we can create a work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute their best work. Remember, a happy and engaged workforce is a productive workforce, leading to a competitive advantage for your company.

How Do Staffing Firms Increase Hiring Speed?

With the current market, it can be a challenge for companies to find and hire the best candidates for their open positions. Staffing firms have emerged as a solution to this problem, providing a range of services that help companies increase their hiring speeds while maintaining the quality of their hires. Here’s how a staffing company can help:

  1. Access to a larger pool of candidates
    Staffing firms have access to a larger pool of candidates than individual companies do. This is because staffing firms have a network of job seekers who are actively looking for work, as well as passive candidates who may be open to new opportunities. When you work with us, we sort through our wide pipeline of candidates and find those that best match what you’re looking for.
  2. Specialized recruiting expertise
    Staffing firms specialize in recruiting for specific industries or job functions. This means they have a deep understanding of the skills and experience needed for each role and can quickly identify candidates who meet those requirements. By leveraging the specialized expertise of staffing firms, companies can streamline their hiring processes and reduce the time it takes to fill their open positions. We at PROMAN are masters at creating effective job descriptions and utilize social media to run targeted ads to get in front of candidates.
  3. Pre-screened candidates
    Staffing firms pre-screen candidates before presenting them to clients. This means that hiring managers save time and resources by only reviewing candidates who meet their specific requirements. By having a pre-screened pool of candidates to choose from, companies can accelerate their hiring processes and reduce the time it takes to make a hire.
  4. Flexible staffing options
    Staffing firms offer a range of hiring options, from temporary staffing to direct-hire placements. This flexibility allows companies to tailor their staffing solutions to their specific needs and hiring timelines. For example, companies can bring in temporary staff to cover gaps in their workforce while they search for permanent hires. This can help them maintain productivity while they continue their search for the right candidate.
  5. Onboarding support
    Staffing firms provide onboarding support to help new hires quickly acclimate to their new roles. This can include providing orientation and training, as well as ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition. By providing this support, staffing firms can help companies reduce the time it takes for new hires to become productive members of their team.

Working with a staffing firm can be a valuable resource for companies looking to increase their hiring speeds. By leveraging their access to a larger pool of candidates, specialized recruiting expertise, pre-screened candidates, flexible staffing options, and onboarding support, companies can accelerate their hiring processes and maintain the quality of their hires. If you’re struggling to find and hire the right candidates for your open positions, reach out to your local PROMAN office to streamline your hiring processes and increase your chances of finding the right fit.

PROMAN accelerates its growth in the United States with the acquisition of National Skilled Trades Masters

Northbrook, Illinois –November 15, 2022 PROMAN, the French leader in the temporary employment and human resources market, a 100% family-owned company, continues its expansion in the United States with the acquisition of Trades Masters, a temporary staffing company located in the state of Texas.

  • The Group carries out its 3rd operation across the Atlantic since its establishment in 2018
  • PROMAN expands its footprint in the US, the world’s largest temporary staffing market
  • In the United States, PROMAN has 55 offices located in 13 states

Exceed $300 million in 2023!

After Paramount Staffing in 2018 and TalentForce in 2019, Trades Masters is PROMAN’s third transaction in the United States, the largest temporary staffing market in the world.  In total, PROMAN has 55 branches in 13 states.

“Since June, our teams have been working under the PROMAN name in the United States, and we are really proud! With this acquisition, we are further strengthening our presence in Texas.” says Roland Gomez, President PROMAN.

With the integration of Trades Masters, PROMAN aims to exceed $300 million in revenue by 2023.

Trades Masters has 43 permanent employees in 5 locations in Texas: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Last year, the company generated $46 million from 225 corporate clients.

“Trades Masters along with Proman Skilled Trades will offer us new opportunities and allow us to expand our footprint to other cities in Texas and the southern United States.  We share the same values: people, team spirit, performance and a fun company to work with and for!” says Gilles Tanneur, CEO PROMAN North America.

“It was important to us to work with a company that shares our commitment to workers, and we’re excited for our team to join the exceptional group at Proman.” adds Mike Witte, CEO of Workrise.

Strategy of growth and consolidation

Since 2013, PROMAN has been pursuing a proactive international growth strategy. The Group is now present in 16 countries on 3 continents: Europe, Africa and the United States. Applying the same deployment strategy as in France where it has 400 branches, the Group is pursuing a strategy of growth and consolidation in its new countries of operation. This steady growth should enable PROMAN to reach its target of €6 billion in revenue in 2025.

About PROMAN

Founded in Manosque in 1990, PROMAN is the 4th European player in the temporary employment market, CDD/CDI recruitment. With more than 800 agencies worldwide, including 400 in France, and 100,000 temporary workers on assignment every day, PROMAN is the preferred partner of more than 45,000 companies in the industrial, construction, nuclear, pharmaceutical, automotive and hotel sectors. A family business with a human dimension, PROMAN owes its position to its values: people, proximity and responsiveness. In strong growth, the group outperforms its market year after year and has a turnover of 2.9 billion euros in 2021.

List of Counsels

Buyer: PROMAN (Roland Gomez, President)
Sweeney, Scharkey & Blanchard LLC
Philippe Y. Blanchard – (312) 384-0500 – pblanchard@ssbpartners.com

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Tim Irvin – (630) 368-3623 – Tim.Irvin@claconnect.com

Seller: Workrise Technologies Inc.
D.A. Davidson & Co.
James R. Keckler – (310) 500-3863 – jkeckler@dadco.com
Bobby Miscrak – (303) 571-6133 – bmicsak@dadco.com

Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Brittany Sakowitz, P.C. – (713) 836-3313 – brittany.sakowitz@kirkland.com
Kate Rainey Willson – (512) 678-9139 – kate.willson@kirkland.com

Press contacts

TerraFirma Marketing
Lori Headley – (574) 213-3855 – lori@terrafirmamarketing.com

September 2017

NORTHBROOK, IL – September 18, 2017 — Paramount Staffing has expanded in New Jersey opening a new office in East Windsor.  This is Paramount’s 3rd office in New Jersey.  The East Windsor office will help expansion in the growing Central New Jersey region which has seen tremendous growth in the past 5 years with new Distribution Centers.

“The Central New Jersey area remains a growth area for Paramount as we have been able to partner with long term clients in the area”, said CEO Matt Schubert.  “We are excited about opening in East Windsor as this will allow us increased presence to employees allowing us to help our clients with their growth”.

Honored as a Top 20 Best Company by Fortune® Magazine, Paramount Staffing, headquartered in Northbrook, IL, offers a wide range of workforce solutions for the industrial sector of the marketplace. These services include On-Premises Staffing, Skilled Placements, and a Certified Forklift Training Center. Based on a strong reputation for providing industrial staffing services for a wide variety of businesses, Paramount Staffing employs over 5,000 people daily across 6 states. For more information, visit www.paramountstaffing.com.

Message to Employees

contacting your office. If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to info@paramountstaffing.com. If possible, please include your branch and current assignment, as well as a good contact method. Thank you again and stay safe and healthy.

Paramount Staffing Reaches Fast-Growing Southeast with Acquisition of TalentForce

NORTHBROOK, IL. — Sept. 13, 2019 — Paramount Staffing—a temporary staffing agency focused on industrial staffing—acquires TalentForce and expands its presence into the Southeast. The combined company will generate more than $200 million annually in revenue with nearly 250 full‐time employees serving more than 800 clients with 55 offices in 12 states.

“Our acquisition strategy has been to identify companies who focus on industrial staffing, operate in states which are rapidly growing, and most importantly match up with us culturally. We have found that partner with Talent Force,” commented Paramount President Matt Schubert.

With 31 additional offices, the acquisition creates a strong staffing arm for Paramount into North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois and New Hampshire. TalentForce specialties include Light Industrial and Administrative/Clerical.

Paramount Staffing and Talent Force are aligned culturally, geographically, and in our business model to provide outstanding customer service to our clients and employees,” added Schubert. “We are very excited about this partnership and the opportunities it will present.”

Both Paramount Staffing and TalentForce will operate jointly. Talent Force’s Chief Operating Officer, Bobby Walker, will continue running Talent Force and all current team members will remain in place.

“This partnership will provide more opportunities to build on established customer relationships and resources to create new ones,” commented Walker.

After Paramount Staffing in June 2018, Talent Force marks the second acquisition in the United States by Proman.

“We are pleased to welcome the Talent Force team in the Paramount Staffing family; this acquisition brings Paramount Staffing a very talented staff of veterans that will be led by Bobby Walker, COO of Talent Force. Bobby has been extremely instrumental in the development of Talent Force over the last 20 years and Matt and I really look forward to working with him and his team,” concluded Gilles Tanneur, Chief Executive Officer of Proman North America.

For more information, contact info@paramountstaffing.com.

About TalentForce

The vision of TalentForce is to become an industry leader by developing long‐term partnerships through a customer focused and solutions‐oriented approach. TalentForce recognizes each business has its own unique challenges and objectives. Its partnerships are established with a thorough understanding of customers’ business. With this in mind, a customized solution is developed based on the specific needs of customers helping to overcome concerns allowing clients to focus on core duties. As experts in the staffing industry for over 30 years, TalentForce has the knowledge and experience, to provide customers with the unparalleled quality service they expect and deserve. Visit www.talentforce.com

About Paramount Staffing

Paramount Staffing was honored as a Top 20 Best Company by Fortune Magazine and has been named a Top Place to Work in the Chicago area on multiple occasions. Founders Matt Schubert and his wife, Tina, have a staffing history background as Matt’s father (Larry) and uncle (Alan) were founders of Labor World (later Tandem Staffing) back in the early 70’s. Paramount Staffing was acquired by Proman in June 2018, which is also a family‐owned business. Visit www.paramountstaffing.com

About Proman

Proman is a 100% family‐owned business operating with nearly 400 offices in the U.S., France, Monaco, Switzerland, UK, La Reunion, Luxembourg, Belgium and Canada. It was founded in 1990 in Manosque, France by Mr. and Mrs. Gomez. It serves the following sectors: industry, energy, environment, construction, logistics, transport, and tertiary. Its core business is recruitment temporary work, fixed‐ term contracts and permanent contracts. It strives every day to maintain and cultivate entrepreneurship.

Paramount Staffing Scholarship Winners

Paramount Staffing held a reception on August 1 to announce and award 4 college scholarships to children of employees for the 2018 academic year. Winners are:

  • Fabiola Avila daughter of Enrique in the Bolingbrook, IL office will be attending Denison University in Granville, Ohio as a freshman
  • Cara Hovance daughter of Scott from the Northbrook, IL office will be attending Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO
  • Kelly Vander Ploeg daughter of Mark from the Northbrook, IL office (a second-time winner) will continue at Hope College in Holland, MI
  • Ana Vazquez daughter of Juan from the Des Plaines, IL office will continue at Lee University School of Nursing in Cleveland TN

Pictured below from left to right are: Enrique Avila, Fabiola Avila, winner Fabiola Avila, winner Kelly Vander Ploeg, Mark Vander Ploeg, Scott Hovance holding a picture of daughter Cara who was unable to attend and Matt Schubert, President of Paramount. Also unable to attend was Ana Vazquez and father Juan.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Paramount Staffing Scholarship Winners 2018

French Staffing Provider Entering US Market with Acquisition of Illinois-Based Firm

Press Release – Paramount Staffing, a Northbrook, Ill-based industrial staffing firm that ranked on the list of largest US staffing firms, was acquired by Proman Group, effective June 18. The Paramount Staffing brand will remain, and its executives and team members will stay in their current positions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Proman is based in France, and did not previously have a US presence. It plans to use Paramount as its platform for future US growth.

“The companies match up perfectly from a cultural standpoint, growth strategy, and outlook of the staffing industry,” Paramount owner Matt Schubert said. “The acquisition will create tremendous opportunities for our team members as we look to expand to more cities throughout the country.”

Schubert and his wife Tina launched Paramount in 1998 in Memphis, Tenn. The company then expanded into Illinois, opening seven additional offices over the next seven years.

Paramount ranked No. 117 on SIA’s list of largest US staffing firms last year based on reported revenue of $131 million for 2016.

Proman Group, founded in 1990 by CEO Roland Gomez and his wife, reported $1.8 billion of revenue in 2017 and operates 350 offices in France, Monaco, Switzerland, UK, La Reunion, Mayotte, Luxembourg, Belgium and Canada. The company provides general and professional staffing to the industrial, skilled trades, construction and professional sectors. It currently employs 45,000 temporary workers.

“The Paramount Staffing acquisition is a major milestone for Proman to access the largest staffing market in the world and we are delighted Matt and Tina along with [Proman North America CEO] Gilles Tanneur will spearhead Proman’s expansion in the US,” Gomez said.

Tanneur was Proman’s sole employee in the US prior to the acquisition. His main focus is to identify acquisition opportunities going forward. Additionally, he will work with Paramount Staffing teams to assist in developing and maintaining accounts.

See this article here.