90
1986
$153,500
$40,000
$210,500
No
AtWork is a leading staffing franchise that has been connecting businesses with top talent since 1986.With over 90 locations across the United States, AtWork offers a proven business model in the growing staffing industry.Whether you're an experienced entrepreneur or new to franchising, AtWork provides the tools, training, and support needed to build a successful staffing agency.
Proven Business Model: AtWork has a track record of success with franchisees generating an average gross profit of $604,309 in 2024.
Low Initial Investment: With a total investment ranging from $153,500 to $210,500, AtWork offers one of the most affordable staffing franchise opportunities.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training, marketing assistance, and ongoing operational support to ensure success.
Diverse Service Offerings: AtWork provides staffing solutions across various sectors, including light industrial, clerical, healthcare, and executive placements.
1. Established Year:
AtWork was founded in 1986, giving it a long-standing presence in the staffing and recruiting industry in the USA. This history reflects decades of operational experience, brand development, and industry knowledge.
2. Founders and Ownership:
The company was founded by John Hall in Knoxville, Tennessee. It remains privately held, with John Hall continuing to play a leadership role. This ownership structure allows for a consistent vision and strong guidance for franchisees.
3. Franchise Units:
AtWork currently operates over 90 franchise locations across the United States, with ongoing plans to expand further. The franchise network allows new franchisees to leverage an established brand and operational model.
4. Brand Journey and Company History:
AtWork started as a single staffing agency focused on connecting businesses with top talent. Over the years, it has grown into a nationally recognized staffing franchise, serving multiple industries such as light industrial, clerical, healthcare, and executive placement. The company has evolved by embracing innovative staffing solutions and technology-driven processes to stay competitive in the dynamic staffing market.
5. Market Presence in the USA:
AtWork has a presence in 27 states, making it a recognized and trusted staffing partner. Its growth strategy focuses on expanding into underserved markets, ensuring franchisees have access to promising business opportunities.
6. Industry Category:
AtWork belongs to the staffing and recruiting industry, which is a high-demand, recession-resilient sector. Businesses across industries constantly need temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire staffing solutions, providing franchisees with recurring revenue potential.
7. Other Information:
Mission & Vision: AtWork is committed to helping businesses succeed by providing reliable workforce solutions while supporting franchisees with strong training, marketing, and operational support.
Reputation: The brand is known for reliable client service, ethical staffing practices, and high franchisee satisfaction.
Growth Potential: The staffing industry is growing, and AtWork’s proven model allows franchisees to scale their operations efficiently.
AtWork is known for offering comprehensive support to its franchisees, ensuring they can launch and operate their staffing business successfully. The support covers pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing assistance.
Before a franchise officially opens, AtWork helps with:
Site Selection: Guidance in choosing an ideal office location to maximize visibility and client reach.
Lease Negotiation & Office Setup: Assistance with leasing agreements, office layout, furniture, technology, and equipment setup.
Business Planning: Help with financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to ensure a strong start.
Licensing & Compliance: Support in obtaining necessary local, state, and federal licenses for staffing operations.
AtWork provides extensive classroom and hands-on training to equip franchisees with the skills to run the business:
Operational Training: Learn day-to-day staffing operations, candidate sourcing, placement, and client management.
Sales & Business Development: Techniques to attract clients, build lasting relationships, and grow the franchise.
Marketing & Branding: Training in local marketing strategies, social media promotion, and leveraging the AtWork brand.
Financial Management: Understanding revenue models, budgeting, managing payroll, and tracking profitability.
Software & Technology: Training on proprietary software used for staffing, reporting, and client management.
Typically, franchisees receive 41 hours of initial training, combining classroom instruction and practical exercises.
A dedicated Field Operations Representative visits during the first week of operations to provide hands-on guidance.
Assistance with staff hiring, workflow setup, and operational troubleshooting.
Ensures the business is running smoothly from day one and identifies areas for immediate improvement.
AtWork continues to support franchisees long after launch:
Business Performance Monitoring: Regular reviews of franchise performance and guidance on improving efficiency.
Proprietary Software Access: Tools for candidate management, payroll, and reporting.
Operational Manuals: Detailed guides on processes, best practices, and compliance.
Troubleshooting & Advisory: Access to experts for operational challenges, client issues, and strategic advice.
National and Local Marketing Assistance: Campaigns, branding materials, and advertising guidance.
Marketing Fund Contribution: Franchisees pay a small marketing fee (0.5% of gross revenue) that goes toward marketing support and campaigns.
Digital Marketing & SEO Guidance: Help with social media, online presence, and local SEO to attract clients.
Annual Franchisee Conventions: Opportunities to network, learn from peers, and stay updated on staffing trends.
Webinars and Workshops: Regular training sessions to enhance skills in sales, operations, and leadership.
Franchisee Support Network: A community of franchise owners for knowledge-sharing and advice.
AtWork seeks franchisees who are motivated, business-savvy, and passionate about connecting people with opportunities. The ideal franchisee combines leadership skills, operational capability, and a desire to grow a staffing business.
Self-Motivated & Goal-Oriented: Franchisees should have the drive to manage their own business and set measurable growth targets.
Leadership Skills: Ability to lead a small team of recruiters and administrative staff, set standards, and inspire high performance.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Aptitude to handle staffing challenges, client demands, and operational issues effectively.
Experience in Sales, Management, or Business Operations is highly beneficial. These skills help in client acquisition, managing staff, and running daily operations efficiently.
Recruitment or HR Knowledge: While not mandatory, prior experience in staffing, human resources, or talent acquisition can accelerate franchisee success.
Financial Acumen: Understanding of budgeting, cash flow management, and business profitability is critical for running a sustainable franchise.
People-Oriented: Franchisees should enjoy working with clients and candidates, helping businesses find the right talent while assisting individuals in advancing their careers.
Community-Minded: Interest in supporting local business growth and contributing positively to the local workforce.
Growth-Oriented: Willingness to explore additional service lines, such as temp-to-hire and direct-hire placements, to expand revenue streams.
Minimum Net Worth: $250,000
Liquid Capital Available: $100,000 for initial investment and working capital
Financial Responsibility: Ability to handle franchise fees, royalty payments (7%), and marketing contributions (0.5%) while sustaining operations during the early growth phase.
Community Presence: Ideal candidates should prefer operating in a local market where they can build long-term relationships with businesses and candidates.
Underserved Markets: Open to establishing franchises in areas with demand for staffing services but limited competition.
Strong Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication with clients, candidates, and staff is key.
Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to navigate staffing market fluctuations and evolving business demands.
Commitment to Excellence: Dedication to providing high-quality staffing solutions and maintaining AtWork’s brand reputation.
| Financial Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $153,500 – $210,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 one-time fee |
| Royalty Fee | 7% of gross revenue |
| Marketing Fee | 0.5% of gross revenue |
| Infrastructure / Setup Costs | Office space, furniture, computers, phones, recruiting software |
| Working Capital | Sufficient to cover first few months of operations |
| Revenue Streams | Temporary staffing, temp-to-hire, direct hire/executive placements, specialized staffing services (clerical, industrial, healthcare) |
| Expected Gross Sales per Location | Approximately $1.55 million (varies by market and management) |
| Break-Even Time | 12–24 months |
| Expected ROI | Significant potential with effective operations and client acquisition |
| Additional Notes | Scalable business model; low overhead; ongoing support for marketing, operations, and sales |
