SMEs Are Preferred Option For Workers

/ 11th September 2019 /

More than two-thirds of Irish people would prefer to work for an SME or startup than for a large firm with more than 250 employees.

That’s according to new research from One4all, which found that seven out of ten workers feel that SMEs and startups have the best office culture and that two thirds would prefer to work in such a company.

Exactly half feel that working for a smaller company allows more opportunities to broaden their skill set, with just under half saying they feel smaller companies care more about their career development compared to larger companies.

The survey also showed that Irish workers are willing to put in the hours for startups and growing companies. As many as 44% of those surveyed said they would be more motivated to give up their free time and work longer hours for a smaller company, compared to a large company such as a multinational.

One4All chief executive Michael Dawson (pictured) commented: “This latest survey into office culture has thrown up some hugely interesting results, some of which will be music to the ears of smaller businesses looking to compete with larger companies for the best talent.

“Increasingly, we see people considering culture in a workplace as an important factor in their job search, and the results imply that smaller businesses are cream of the crop in this regard. Not only that, but they are the desired place to work for over two thirds of the population. What’s also interesting is that a high number of workers feel motivated to work longer hours for a smaller company.”

SFA director Sven Spollen-Behrens added: “Feedback from our members has consistently shown that smaller firms have a strong retention rate, with 90% retaining employees for three or more years. Out of that figure, 27% retain employees for 10 or more years.

“The benefits to employees include greater recognition, more visibility with management and direct access to the CEO or management team. SME employees also experience a direct contribution to the success of the company and enjoy a close-knit work culture."