Statistics show that the SME sector continues to grow: 58.3% of small companies plan to take on staff over the next six months, up from 56.7% last year and just 48.9% the year before. There is no doubt that the future of business rests on the bedrock of upcoming SME's. Small companies are vital to the economy's growth - and even more so now after Brexit. It is not surprising, therefore, that the perks of working for a small business are being noticed by the best of the jobseekers.

When Linkedin conducted its latest Job Job Satisfaction Survey, it found that 87% of professionals that took part were keen to work for a startup or small business (employing 10 or less than 10 employees), rather than at larger companies. The survey questioned more than 10,000 professionals and over 3,500 employers worldwide. 

There were some surprises amongst the statistics: the survey found that 45% employees of small businesses were Very Satisfied or Fulfilled at work; that SME's had some of the most loyal employees possible – 3 out of ten 10 wanted to stay where they were for the rest of their lives. Just over one in three small business employees were willing to take a wage cut to work at a startup or small business, and 77% say they would recommend their small business to their friends and family as an employer.

It was found that being able to align one's values with one's employers values was crucial to job satisfaction. Salary and promotional opportunities are key motivators for professionals today. Another major factor was work/ life balance (see our previous blog on this) which topped the list - even before salary - for people over 40.

So - why is it so desirable to work for a startup or small business?

1. Small business are perceived as being more flexible - "more human" - when it comes to making demands on their employees. If one is part of a small team, each member matters more - to get employees performing at their best, it is important that they are supported in their work. Working from home, flexible hours, bringing kids or dogs to work - there is often a way of making challenges into advantages for the business and the employee, with a bit of creative thinking.

2. Get ahead - much faster. Because each person in a small company is relied upon from the get go,  taking on further responsibility as the company expands, and therefore your rise through the ranks is quicker. Your talents are also more noticeable because there aren't another hundred of you doing the same job.

3. Hard, but satisfying work: It goes without saying that you are expected to produce the goods - and often for less - but there are such great rewards. To be involved at the start of a small business is always a good thing - you will ride the wave of success, and be a part of the financial wealth when that comes.

4. Culture fix: Most small businesses are very picky when it comes to new employees - and for good reason. Apart from having to have the appropriate skill set, the candidate also needs to fit into the company culture. Creativity and genius flows in a safe place to innovate and conceptualize - and everyone's different personalities need to gel, for maximum results. Each company has it's own quirks and fitting in comfortably with these are essential.

5. Broaden your skill set: In small companies there is more likelihood of learning new skills and possibly even working across different departments. Sometimes everyone needs to "muck in" to finish a presentation for a deadline or cover for someone who is off on leave. You'll see how the business operates as a whole, and develop transferable skills.

6. You can make a big difference: In an a small business it is hands-on. The chance to grow and to be there as the company develops, is exciting. Many people feel satisfied in their jobs at SME's because they’re able to see real, tangible results of their work.

 Small business may be the most attractive employment option to professionals, yet it struggles to reach the right talent. Social media and an online presence can help boost your profile in the right places in order to overcome this challenge. Image: Pexels.com

Interestingly, SME owners who took part in the same survey said that they found it difficult to attract the talent they need, because of competition from larger organisations in the job market. They battled to become noticed.

Many SME's don't have a specific brand - they often grow fast and are so busy managing this, that their very persona is never honed. This is an essential step in the growth of a successful small business - if you don't know who you are - what your authentic core values are - how are customers or top drawer job-seeking professionals going to find you? Providing happy employees the brand marketing tools to sing your praises over social media, small businesses can really make an impact in all the right areas.

Times are changing - a grand job title is not much of a motivator any more. Compensation, work-life balance and opportunities for advancement rank as the three major motivators amongst job-hunters. They want to be contributors who can make a positive impact on a business, hopefully learning new skills in the process. That is why SME's are attracting the talent they deserve, and shall continue to do so.

Akoni helps businesses make the most of their cash. Register for free at AkoniHub.com

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