TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 6, 2016) - Express Employment Professionals released new survey results revealing what employers believe are the biggest drivers of losses in employee involvement, enthusiasm and commitment to the workplace.

In a recent poll of businesses, 47 per cent identified "poor leadership" as the biggest reason for employee disengagement, followed by 17 per cent who chose "lack of recognition for achievements." Eleven per cent selected "no vested interest in company goals," and eight per cent chose "lack of opportunities for advancement." Additionally, "poor work environment" was selected by six per cent of businesses, and five per cent chose "poor work/life balance."

In a complimentary survey, job seekers and those new to the work force were also asked what factors contribute to job satisfaction. "Feeling valued" and "engaging or meaningful work" tied for the top answer with 27 per cent each. Another 14 per cent chose "compensation," followed by 10 per cent who selected "job security," five per cent chose "company benefits," and four per cent selected "room for advancement."

Despite the employer consensus that poor leadership causes disengagement, only six per cent of workers agreed. (Full results are below).

To view the survey results, please visit the following links:

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"Business leaders can and should focus on their leadership and communication styles to improve the job satisfaction of their workers, but as these results prove, it's not the only factor causing disengagement in the workplace," said Bob Funk, CEO and chairman of the board for Express.

"Above all, employees find satisfaction in their job through meaningful work and feeling valued. Thankfully, showing appreciation to employees isn't difficult, and a simple thank you often goes a long way."

The survey of 944 business leaders was conducted in February 2016. The survey of 122 job seekers and employees was also conducted in February 2016.

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 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 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.