by oneforthebooks | Blog
Friday Services has been named one of the 2026 Best Staffing Firms to Work For by Staffing Industry Analysts(SIA), a national recognition honoring firms that excel in employee engagement, leadership, and workplace culture.
The award places Friday Services among a select group of staffing firms across North America and reflects its long-standing commitment to building a people-first organization—one that directly translates into stronger outcomes for clients and candidates.
“SIA’s 2026 Best Staffing Firms to Work For program winners demonstrate the ability to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry by maintaining a steadfast commitment to culture, leadership, and adaptability,” said Ursula Williams, SIA President “By investing in and empowering their employees, they build stronger, more resilient businesses.”
Unlike many industry awards, this recognition is based largely on direct employee feedback, measuring key areas such as leadership, trust, team dynamics, and overall engagement. For Friday Services, it serves as a meaningful validation of the company’s belief that internal culture is the foundation of external success.
“We’re honored to receive this recognition, especially because it reflects the voice of our team,” said Lisa Sargent. “Our people are at the center of everything we do. When we invest in them, it directly impacts the level of service and partnership we deliver to our clients and candidates.”
This recognition builds on Friday Services’ recent American Staffing Association Care Award, which honored the top corporate social responsibility programs in the staffing industry—further reflecting the company’s commitment to both its people and the communities it serves.
More than 400 firms participated in this year’s program. Winners were selected based on employee survey results evaluating six core categories: communication and resources, individual needs, manager effectiveness, personal engagement, team dynamics, and trust in leadership.
For Friday Services, the recognition reinforces a broader philosophy: companies that prioritize their people are better positioned to solve today’s workforce challenges. By fostering a strong internal culture, the firm continues to deliver dependable talent, consistent hiring outcomes, and long-term workforce solutions across Western North Carolina.
About Friday Services
Celebrating 46 years of service, Friday Services is a locally owned and operated workforce solutions company focused on connecting the right people to the right jobs across Western North Carolina. The company partners with employers to solve workforce challenges through innovative recruiting strategies, strong candidate relationships, and a commitment to long-term success for clients, employees and community.
About Staffing Industry Analysts
Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) is the global research and advisory firm focused on staffing and workforce solutions. Its independent analysis and data provide insights into staffing firms, talent platforms, and workforce trends, helping organizations make better-informed decisions.
View the full list of 2026 winners:
https://www.staffingindustry.com/lists/best-staffing-firms-to-work-for-in-north-america/2026-best-staffing-firms-to-work-for
by oneforthebooks | Blog
We closed 2025 with several outlooks worth keeping in mind as we head into 2026. Early in the first quarter of 2025, projections showed the Asheville apartment market would add nearly 3,500 units by year-end—one of the largest increases in the nation. As of January 14, 2025, vacancy rates were reported at 8.5%, and by October, WLOS reported an average increase of nearly 10%, citing workforce displacement following Hurricane Helene.
More units and less available talent have introduced new challenges for apartment communities across the region.
At the same time, North Carolina remains among the top ten states attracting new residents. While Raleigh and Charlotte continue to lead in overall growth, Western North Carolina has seen increased relocation from states like Texas and Florida, driven by new job opportunities, retirement, family ties, and a desire for a better work-life balance.
With more inventory available to prospective residents, it’s often the details that allow apartment communities to stand out.
Execution
Today’s renters are paying close attention to responsiveness, customer experience, and amenities. This is where having the right support in place truly matters. Flexibility has become one of the most valuable operational tools; allowing property managers to stay focused on residents and long-term stability, even as market conditions continue to shift.
Challenges within Staffing
- Fewer skilled/available maintenance staff
- Higher expectations
- Restrictions within schedule
- Workforce culture demands a more human approach
How Friday Fits?
Addressing today’s staffing challenges often comes down to consistency. Reliable coverage, well-matched skill sets, and clear expectations help property teams maintain service standards even as demands increase. Working with a workforce partner that understands the local market allows communities to build continuity in operations while reducing strain on existing staff.
Need help building a reliable property management workforce for 2026?
Start local. Stay transparent. Grow smart.Reach out to Friday Services for a customized property staffing solution built for Western North Carolina.
by oneforthebooks | Blog
NCWorks Honors Friday Services as a Outstanding Business Partner in Western North Carolina
We are extremely grateful to be recognized for our work with NCWorks. We strive daily to meet our mission of placing the right candidates in the right jobs and it’s all that much easier when we work alongside our friends at NCWorks.
We also recognize that this recognition is certainly not ours alone. It reflects the trust of our clients and the people we get to serve daily, the job seekers who put their next career opportunity in our hands.
by oneforthebooks | Blog
Friday Services has received national recognition as a 2025 ASA Care Award winner from the American Staffing Association. The award honors the company’s dedication to community service through its Friday Cares initiative, which continues to make a lasting impact across Western North Carolina.
A Commitment to Helping People Grow
For 45 years, Friday Services has lived by a simple mission — helping people, businesses, and communities grow together.
“We’re honored to receive the ASA Care Award,” said William Irving, President of Friday Services. “This award reflects what has guided us since day one — helping people, businesses, and our community grow together. Our Friday Cares program brings our core value of making a difference to life. We support employees and candidates during hard times and volunteer with local nonprofits to strengthen our communities. Being recognized for that work means a great deal to our entire team.”
What Is the Friday Cares Program?
The Friday Cares program represents the heart of Friday Services’ community outreach. Every month, employees volunteer their time and skills to local nonprofits that:
In 2024, when disaster struck Western North Carolina, Friday Services converted its office into a community resource center. Staff and volunteers distributed critical supplies and provided direct help to employees and neighbors affected by the crisis.
Building a Culture of Care and Service
This focus on community care has strengthened relationships inside and outside the company. Employees feel more connected, clients see a partner who leads by example, and the broader community benefits from ongoing engagement.
By combining compassion with action, Friday Services continues to set the standard for staffing firms dedicated to people-first leadership and community growth.
National Recognition from the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association presented Friday Services with the 2025 ASA Care Award during its annual convention, Staffing World® 2025, held on October 8 in Orlando, Florida. The ASA honors staffing companies that “do well by doing good,” highlighting the industry’s power to improve lives and strengthen local communities.
About Friday Services
Founded in 1980, Friday Services connects job seekers and employers throughout Western North Carolina. The company provides flexible staffing and recruiting solutions while maintaining a deep commitment to community and employee care.
📍 Learn more or join our team: www.FridayCareers.com
by oneforthebooks | Blog
Your resume is your first impression and in today’s job market, it needs to pass through two filters: the human recruiter and the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Tailor it to the job
Use the exact keywords from the job description to improve your chances of getting past automated screening.
Focus on recent, relevant experience
Highlight the last 10–15 years unless older roles are directly related to the job.
Show impact, not just duties
Employers want to see results. Use numbers, percentages, and specific outcomes to show what you accomplished.
Keep it clean and readable
Skip elaborate designs that can confuse ATS software. Stick to standard fonts and clear headings.
Get a professional review
A staffing partner like Friday Services can provide feedback to make your resume more competitive — and even advocate for you directly with hiring managers.
Your resume isn’t just a history of your work — it’s a marketing tool for your career. We can help you update your resume at no cost when you meet with us.
by oneforthebooks | Blog
Not every job is meant to be 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. In Western North Carolina, more employers are offering roles that allow employees to tailor work to their schedules and priorities.
- Part-time roles: Ideal for parents, students, or those transitioning back into the workforce.
- Seasonal jobs: Great for boosting income during peak times, such as tourism season or the holidays.
- Contract assignments: Project-based work lets you gain experience without long-term commitment.
- Hybrid and remote roles: Professional fields are increasingly offering flexible location options, making it easier to balance work and personal life.
The WNC advantage
With its mix of industries — from manufacturing to administration to professional services — WNC is uniquely positioned to offer diverse flexible work options.
At Friday Services, we connect candidates to roles that match not just their skills, but their lifestyle needs.
Work should support your life — not the other way around. Contact us to start your ideal job search.
by oneforthebooks | Blog
For many retirees, “retirement” is just one chapter and not necessarily the last one in their working life. Whether it’s to supplement income, stay active, or explore new career paths, re-entering the workforce is becoming more common in WNC.
Clarify your “why”
Your reason for returning will shape the type of work you pursue. Some retirees want part-time, low-stress work. Others are ready to dive into an entirely new field.
Update your skills
The workplace has changed rapidly in the last decade, especially in technology. Free or low-cost classes — including those offered by local community colleges — can help bridge any skills gap.
Reframe your experience
Your decades of experience are an asset. The key is presenting it in a way that aligns with current job descriptions. Highlight transferable skills, adaptability, and recent learning.
Consider flexible and temporary roles
These allow you to ease back into work, try different environments, and maintain control over your schedule.
Partner with a staffing agency
Friday Services works with employers who value seasoned workers and the depth they bring to a team. We connect retirees with roles that match their goals, availability, and skills.
Returning to work after retirement can be a fresh start — and an opportunity to contribute in new ways.
by oneforthebooks | Blog
In 2025, the hiring market in Western North Carolina is defined by two realities: demand for talent is high, and the available workforce is limited. For businesses, the ability to adapt quickly isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s a survival skill. Flexible staffing offers that adaptability.
Meeting fluctuating demand
Manufacturers may see spikes in production. Professional offices might face seasonal workloads during tax time or year-end. Flexible staffing lets you scale your workforce up or down without the long-term commitments of a permanent hire.
Lowering hiring risk
A contract-to-hire arrangement lets you evaluate a candidate’s skills, work ethic, and cultural fit before making them a permanent part of your team. This “try before you buy” model reduces costly hiring mistakes.
Accessing specialized skills quickly
Sometimes you don’t need more staff — you need the right skill set, right now. A temporary or project-based hire can fill that gap without lengthy recruitment cycles.
Protecting your core team
By bringing in flexible support, you avoid overburdening your existing employees, which protects morale and retention.
Why WNC businesses are leaning in
We’ve seen local companies in manufacturing, legal, and administrative sectors use flexible staffing not just to cover gaps, but to test new roles, expand into new markets, and handle unexpected opportunities.
In a labor market where change is constant, flexible staffing is a strategic advantage — not a stopgap.
by oneforthebooks | Blog
When a job position goes unfilled, the impact goes far beyond the inconvenience of “being short-staffed.” In reality, a vacancy can drain productivity, morale, and profits in ways that compound over time.
Lost productivity and output
Every day a role remains open means someone else is picking up the slack. For manufacturing companies, this could mean production lines run slower or miss quotas. In professional settings, it could mean delayed projects or missed client deadlines. Over time, these delays chip away at efficiency, customer satisfaction, and reputation.
Burnout and attrition in the existing team
When colleagues take on extra responsibilities to cover for a vacancy, their workloads increase — often without additional pay or support. In WNC’s tight labor market, overworked employees are more likely to leave for better conditions, creating a cycle of turnover that’s expensive to break.
Direct financial costs
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the average cost of a bad hire can be up to 30% of that employee’s first-year earnings. But the cost of no hire can be equally damaging. Overtime expenses, missed opportunities, and lost sales all add up.
Hidden reputation costs
An unfilled role that drags on for months sends a message to customers, vendors, and potential hires: something might be wrong. Whether or not it’s true, perception matters in a competitive market.
Reducing vacancy costs
The fastest way to cut these losses is to shorten your time-to-hire without sacrificing quality. That’s where a staffing partner comes in — expanding your candidate pool, handling pre-screening, and presenting only qualified, vetted talent. At Friday Services, we’ve helped WNC businesses reduce hiring timelines from months to weeks.
Final thought: Every vacant seat has a price tag. The question is whether you’re tracking — and minimizing — those costs.
by oneforthebooks | Blog
Hiring in Western North Carolina has never been more competitive — and more challenging. From manufacturing to professional roles, finding the right person takes time, strategy, and skill. Unfortunately, we see local businesses making the same mistakes over and over.
1. Relying on outdated job descriptions
If your job post looks the same as it did five years ago, you’re missing out. Skills, technology, and workplace expectations have evolved. Update descriptions to reflect current needs and priorities.
2. Moving too slowly
Top candidates aren’t on the market for long. Lengthy hiring processes can cost you the best talent. Streamline your interviews and decision-making.
3. Overlooking culture fit
A candidate might have the right skills, but if they don’t align with your company’s values and work style, retention will be a challenge.
4. Not leveraging staffing expertise
Recruiting takes resources many businesses don’t have in-house. A staffing partner can widen your reach, vet candidates thoroughly, and save valuable time.
5. Ignoring the candidate experience
From first contact to final offer, how you treat candidates shapes your reputation. A smooth, respectful process attracts better talent.
The takeaway: Avoid these mistakes and you’ll save time, money, and headaches. Friday Services has been helping WNC businesses hire smarter for over 45 years — we can help you, too.
