WorkSmart, a women-owned staffing firm founded in Greenville, S.C., is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, marking more than three decades of empowering talent, supporting companies’ growth, and strengthening the communities it serves.
Founded 35 years ago by Judy Barnes, the sole employee with a bold vision, WorkSmart has become a trusted workforce partner employing more than 300 professionals over the years. Since its founding, the company has placed over 60,000 individuals, with more than 250 client partners across multiple industries, helping businesses adapt, grow and thrive through the ever-evolving economic cycles.
“What began as a leap of faith has become a legacy of service,” said Vanessa Barnes, CEO of WorkSmart. “Our vision has never changed; WorkSmart leads with service and treats people with respect. As we’ve grown and adopted new technologies, our human-first approach has remained at the core of everything we do, and it’s what will continue to guide us through the years to come.”
Throughout its history, WorkSmart has demonstrated an ability to adapt quickly while staying grounded in its values. One of its most defining moments came during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the company helped spearhead large-scale hiring efforts for at-home COVID testing, placing more than 1,200 team members at a time when speed, reliability and care were critical.
“That time truly crystallized who we are,” said John Barnes, president and chief vision officer. “The staffing industry has changed drastically over the years, with new technology, tools and expectations emerging often. But the fundamentals haven’t changed; people want to be treated fairly, communicated to with honesty and supported. Our grit, our willingness to adapt and our commitment to meeting clients and team members where they are is what has helped us grow so much over the last 35 years.”
WorkSmart has also built long-standing partnerships, with many client relationships lasting more than a decade. Over time, the company has expanded into new geographic markets, including Georgia and surrounding Upstate areas, while maintaining a strong local presence and reputation.
Today, the women-owned firm continues to honor the trailblazing spirit of its founder. “When Judy Barnes opened the firm, it was a risk, and a remarkable one,” Vanessa Barnes added. “We honor her legacy by always doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult. That principle still guides our decisions today.”
Looking ahead, WorkSmart is focused on deliberate growth, with plans to deepen its footprint in the Upstate while rolling out new tools focused on culture, testing and smarter talent matching. The company continues to explore emerging technologies, including AI, with a disciplined approach that enhances efficiency without sacrificing the human connection.
“Our goal is simple,” said John Barnes. “We want to be a great place to work and a great company to work with – one that challenges the status quo, collaborates with excitement and elevates the communities we’re part of. That’s the legacy we’re building on as we move into our next era.”
To learn more about WorkSmart, visit https://www.worksmartstaffing.com.
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