Hiring new employees can be a hassle—especially for small businesses. A study from ADP discovered that roughly 40 percent of small business owners feel that it’s more difficult to hire employees and 32 percent feel the process takes longer than they thought it would.
Regardless of how difficult owners feel that hiring can be, small businesses employ roughly half of the people who work in the U.S. Additionally, small businesses make up over half (60% or more) of the new jobs expected in the private sector.
Historically, large corporations have been at the top of most people’s desired job list because they offer higher salaries and perks like health insurance for employees. However, three-quarters of small businesses (specifically those who employ between 10 and 49 people) currently offer health insurance.
Furthermore, small businesses can offer perks that larger corporations simply can’t touch. Here are just a few:
Family-like work environment
With fewer employees around, small businesses have the ability to provide their workers with a family-like environment. This kind of work environment is especially attractive to Millennials, who want their employer to value them as more than just an employee.
Flexibility
If you need flexibility at your job, chances are that you’ll find it working for a small business. Small businesses are often more open to offering telecommuting options than corporate environments.
Freedom from bureaucracy
Another benefit of working for a small business is the close-knit working environment that fosters relationships between employees and their leaders.
Increased job responsibilities
Where there are more specialized jobs in large corporations, you’re likely to be able to work a variety of jobs and take on more than one specialty when working for a small business.
Room to grow
If a small business is in the process of growing, then the chance for advancement that a growing business can offer becomes an incentive for potential employees.
Conclusion
These incentives won’t be universal across small businesses because each one is different. At the same time, not every potential employee desires the same opportunities.
Before beginning the hiring process, determine what advantages you can offer to potential employees. Understanding your company’s advantages—and communicating them clearly during the application and interview processes—can help you attract the right person for your business and compete effectively for talent.