AtWork Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

AtWork offers staffing and workforce solutions, connecting job seekers with employers and providing staffing services for various industries.

AtWork, a prominent staffing franchise, was founded in 1986 in Knoxville, Tennessee by John Hall. Initially established with 11 offices in East Tennessee, AtWork began franchising in 1992. 

This expansion reflects the ease with which the AtWork franchise model can be replicated and scaled, making it a compelling opportunity for aspiring business owners.

The company specializes in providing temporary and permanent staffing solutions, covering various sectors such as light industrial, clerical, administrative, and hospitality. 

With a strong reputation, numerous industry accolades, and a scalable business model, AtWork continues to be a leading choice for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the staffing sector. The company's commitment to ongoing franchisee support and industry growth positions it as a valuable partner for those looking to build a successful staffing business.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee$40,000
Lease/Rent and Deposit$900 – $3,500
Leasehold Improvements$500 – $2,500
Office Equipment and Supplies$15,000 – $20,000
Utility Deposit$0 – $500
Risk Management Reserve Deposit$5,000
Insurance Deposit$9,500 – $12,000
Grand Opening Advertising$5,000
Advertising$5,000 – $7,500
Printed Material and Signage$600 – $1,000
Telephone$500 – $2,000
Costs to Attend Initial Training$3,000 – $4,500
Professional Services and Miscellaneous Start-Up Costs$5,000 – $7,000
Additional Funds – 6 to 9 months$66,000 – $102,500
Total$156,000 – $213,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Below are some of

AtWork

key competitors in the

Staffing

sector.

Started franchising
Franchisees

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Franchise fee

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Royalty fee

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Investment

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Revenue (AUV)

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Gross Profit

?

EBITDA

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Home-based

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Passive investment

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FDD
AtWork
1992
84
+
5%
5%
$40,000
7% - 9%

$156,000

-

$213,000

n.a.

$1,545,000

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

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n.a.

n.a.

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No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
2018
1
+
-75%
-75%
$15,000
5.50%

$75,000

-

$132,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$103,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
2019
12
+
71%
71%
$50,000
10% - 15%

$67,000

-

$83,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2012
54
+
-2%
-2%
$68,500
6.00%

$77,000

-

$112,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$188,000

87.0%

n.a.

Upgrade

45.3%

n.a.

Upgrade
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
No
Upgrade
No
1956
209
+
0%
0%
$40,000
n.a.

$214,000

-

$343,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$3,188,000

21.9%

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
2013
76
+
660%
660%
$25,000
9.83%

$45,000

-

$146,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$347,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Upgrade
Upgrade
1970
182
+
16%
16%
$7,500
1% to 5.5%

$11,000

-

$15,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$22,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
No
Upgrade
No

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Total investment

?

Revenue (AUV)

?

Revenue growth (last 3 years)

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Profit margin

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Franchise Disclosure Documents
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Priority support

?

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Training 

The training provided by AtWork is comprehensive and designed to equip franchisees with the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful staffing agency. The training program is divided into three main stages: Franchise Owner’s Launch Camp, Foundation Learning, and Field Implementation Week.

Franchise Owner’s Launch Camp

This initial training session takes place at AtWork's headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee, and spans four days. It aims to familiarize new franchise owners with the staffing industry and AtWork’s business model. The camp covers essential topics such as industry insights, operational procedures, and the initial steps needed to get the business up and running.

Foundation Learning

Following the Launch Camp, franchisees and their staff participate in a week-long training session also held at the corporate office. This intensive program includes sessions with AtWork’s top leaders and covers various critical areas such as recruiting best practices, sales effectiveness, business protection strategies, and goal-setting for success.

Field Implementation Week

The final stage of the initial training involves hands-on learning at the franchisee’s location. During this week, a dedicated field operations representative works one-on-one with the franchisee, focusing on in-depth sales and recruiting techniques, as well as administrative operations.

Territory Protection

AtWork franchise offers robust territory protection to its franchisees, ensuring each franchisee has a designated area where they can operate without direct competition from other AtWork locations. This territory protection is designed to help franchisees build a solid client base and grow their business within a defined market area. 

Typically, each protected territory encompasses a population of approximately 200,000 individuals, providing ample opportunity for business development and customer engagement.

This strategic approach allows franchisees to focus on establishing and expanding their presence within their specific regions.

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

80

81

84

Company-owned units

4

6

6

Total units

84

87

90

Competitors

SI Staffing

Franchisees

?

1
+
-75%
-75%
Investment

?

$75,000 - $132,000

All Medsearch

Franchisees

?

12
+
71%
71%
Investment

?

$67,000 - $83,000

Payroll Vault

Franchisees

?

54
+
-2%
-2%
Investment

?

$77,000 - $112,000

Spherion

Franchisees

?

209
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$214,000 - $343,000

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