How can SMEs attract the right employees? 4 key pointers
‘In an SME your people are your business, so recruiting the right talent is imperative.’ Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD)
There’s no doubt that people are the life-blood of an organisation. In fact, recent research* shows that a quarter of SMEs believe hiring staff is the most important decision they face following business launch.
So how do smaller businesses deal with the challenges of finding and hiring the right people? Over a third say that applicants often don’t have the right skills, and funding new starters is an issue too. Not that this puts SMEs off. More than a fifth say they would invest in new employees if revenue were to double.
If you’re an SME focused on growing your talent pool, here are some pointers for a successful recruitment drive.
1. Be clear about your employer proposition
What’s really different about your organisation, and what can employees expect if they join?
It may be difficult to compete with larger companies with a strong, established brand, but you can still give people a clear sense of what makes you special.
Consider having a section on your values on your company website, or posting up a video of an employee talking about what it’s really like to work for you.
You can also emphasise the benefits of working for an SME. For example:
- direct access to managers and decision-makers
- faster career progression
- a chance to make a really visible contribution.
2. Look beyond technical skills
Look for applicants who have not only the skills, but even more importantly the right attitude and values to help your business grow. This is really vital in a small business because hiring the wrong type of person can have a very noticeable impact on your company culture and productivity.
Technical skills can be taught, but values need to be there from the start in the person you take on board.
3. Recruit not just for now, but for the future
Think beyond the immediate needs of the business. Don’t just focus on the skills you need today. What’s going to help your organisation develop and grow?
Ask yourself whether your candidates have the potential to learn and develop their career with you, especially for more junior roles. If you grow your own talent and make learning a part of your culture, it needn’t cost the earth, but it will be a solid investment in your organisation’s future.
4. Offer a competitive package that goes beyond salary
An attractive online employee benefits solution is well within the reach of many SMEs. Make sure you complete effectively with your bigger rivals by investing in a reward package that adds real value to your recruitment proposition. Employee benefits are a draw for the best applicants, and show potential recruits that you’re an employer who cares.
Can we help you with your online employee benefits? Are you looking to outsource your HR? Or are you thinking of implementing workplace wellbeing initiatives? Please contact us for an informal chat!
About PES
Employee benefits provider PES offers online employee benefits, HR support and workplace wellbeing, pensions advice and group health and risk insurance products.
Essential Trading Co-operative chose PES as their HR Support partner, to ensure they meet their practical and legal obligations, whilst remaining true to its fair-minded ethos.
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