Hugh Thomas, Managing Partner of The Ōnin Group, has been recognized on the Staffing Industry Analysts’ (SIA) Staffing 100 list of the most influential people in the staffing industry.
The annual list recognizes staffing leaders in North America who are improving the future of work and who have helped their businesses overcome obstacles to emerge successfully from recent challenging world events.
During a historically challenging labor market, Hugh has been both a student and an educator of labor force issues, building innovative future-focused workforce solutions in the process.
Hugh’s efforts have greatly impacted Ōnin, Alabama and the staffing industry as a whole.
Notably, Hugh has collaborated with auto industry leaders, including the Alabama Auto Manufacturers Association, and state government officials to help increase the labor participation rate in Alabama.
“Whether it is our client or a friend who runs a business, everybody says the same thing: ‘If I could find more employees, I could increase my revenue,’” said Hugh. “At the same time, the opportunity for people to begin a career has never been better in my lifetime, and I want to help be an agent of change for people who need a boost toward success.”
Hugh is involved in a pilot for a paid, employer-driven adult Ready to Work program in areas of low labor participation. The program is designed to eliminate employment barriers, such as a lack of childcare and transportation, and help those who have left the workforce find gainful employment so that individuals can live fuller and more productive lives.
“Our company is very sensitive to the challenges those in poverty face. Often, you can’t just say, ‘Here’s a job — start Monday,’ and expect them to succeed. We recognize that some people need additional positive influence to realize their potential,” said Hugh. “I’m also inspired by those collaborating in this effort. Everyone is approaching this opportunity with compassion.”
The Ready to Work program is projected to encourage 120,000 Alabamians to take advantage of job opportunities, which will create a positive impact on employers, citizens and communities alike.
In addition to helping individuals access job opportunities at large, Hugh has also been instrumental in building Ōnin’s success and expanding career opportunities within Ōnin since he joined the company in 1997.
Over the past year, Hugh has been a driving force behind the development of Ōnin’s sales strategy and training platform, called the Road to Success, which helps the sales team generate more business, understand the sales process, and develop their careers.
“My partner and I are thrilled at the careers that have been developed at Ōnin, and we want to continue to help ‘Create Opportunity and Empower People,’” said Hugh.’ “That phrase is in a neon sign in our lobby, and we mean it.”
The Ōnin Group is a Birmingham-based, privately-held group of companies focused on people. Its staffing companies include Ōnin Staffing, Excelsior Staffing, Fōcus and A3 Solutions. Non-staffing ventures include Mōmentum Capital Funding, Woodhaven Custom Calls and Ōnin Properties. In 2022, The Ōnin Group was ranked by the SIA as one of the Largest Staffing Firms in the U.S., Fastest Growing Staffing Firms, and Best Staffing Firms to Work For.
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