Four-in-five Workers Look to Small Businesses for Jobs
As workers navigate through one of the toughest economies and job markets in the nation’s history, they are turning to small businesses in greater numbers. According to a new CareerBuilder survey, one-in-five workers (22 percent) who were laid off from full-time jobs in the last 12 months and landed new positions found those opportunities with small businesses. Another 59 percent said they are interested in working for a small business, while others are considering starting a small business of their own.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses employ half of all workers in the private sector and furnish half of the private gross domestic product. They also account for most of the nation’s new job creation.
Small businesses will play a critical role in the rebuilding of the U.S. job market, said Brent Rasmussen, president of CareerBuilder North America. As drivers of innovation, small businesses will help to re-energize the economy and support recovery efforts. In turn, workers will find that working for a small business can provide a wealth of experience in a variety of roles, a competitive compensation structure, a flexible work environment and more.
In addition to job growth potential, when asked what most appealed to them about working for small companies, workers pointed to:
- A family-like work environment (56 percent);
- More employee recognition (49 percent);
- A sense that you can make a difference (48 percent); and
- An absence of corporate red tape (46 percent).
The economic situation is also fueling some workers to create their own opportunities. Of workers who were laid off in the last year and have not found jobs, 29 percent are considering opening their own businesses.
Source: CareerBuilder.com.
Reprinted with permission. © CCH
(Submitted Aug. 17, 2009)
<p>According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses employ half of all workers in the private sector and furnish half of the private gross domestic product.</p>