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One of the many challenges of running a small business is how to appeal to top talent when competing with larger corporations with greater resources, status and scope for career progression.
Realising the advantages of a small business and playing to your strengths can set you apart from your larger opponents and attract recruits looking for an employer of choice. Here are three ways to your help your small business appeal to prospective staff.
Foster a Strong Sense of Belonging
When you spend most of your day at your job, a positive work culture has a huge impact on your happiness and general well-being. Smaller businesses have an innate intimacy that allows staff to get to know each other and form a tight-knit team.
Rather than just being another cog in the machine, employees have the opportunity to really get to know one another and feel like they are part of a community. A strong sense of belonging not only makes workers happier, it strengthens loyalty to your business.
Encourage an appealing work environment by embracing appropriate opportunities to bond outside the confines of the workspace. Organise plenty of fun team building activities, excursions or social lunches. Even something as simple as providing a relaxing and comfortable space for staff to chat during their breaks can make a big difference.
Offer Perks and Benefits
You may not be able to compete with the big businesses in terms of salary, so be resourceful and think about what else you can offer potential employees. A strong benefits package is a powerful tool that won’t be too costly if you get a little creative.
Small businesses often enjoy greater flexibility compared to their larger competitors; exploit this adaptability and use it to your advantage. Flexible work hours, options to work from home or even days where staff can bring their pet to work are huge draw cards that will make your business stand out from conventional corporate gigs.
Another great incentive you can offer is corporate health insurance—it not only gives employees greater peace of mind, but it also enhances staff loyalty. Some insurance companies offer plans that cater specifically to small businesses and aim to meet their particular needs and cost issues. Compare health insurance providers to find the best deal and pass the benefits on to your employees.
It’s also a good idea to get out in your community and network with other local businesses to exchange discounts or special deals for your staff. Not only will you be encouraging employees to use local businesses, but you’ll also be injecting money back into your community’s economy.
Promote Constructive Communication
Another advantage of small business is the closer relationships between leadership and their employees. A smaller team and closer management provide better opportunities for communication – specifically, constructive feedback.
Employees generally value regular, constructive feedback more than yearly reviews and tend to be more engaged at work when they feel their efforts are being recognised. Regular and ongoing communication between management and employees is great for fostering a positive work culture and strengthening relationships.
A good communicative relationship also allows employees the opportunity to voice any opinions or concerns they may have directly with management. Workers who feel their contributions are valued are more likely to feel invested in the business and content in their job.
Small businesses have plenty to offer prospective employees. By getting a little creative and playing to your strengths, it is possible to set yourself apart from larger opponents and appeal to the quality recruits you need to help your business grow.
Staff stock photo by Black Salmon/Shutterstock
