When there are so many monetary and big benefits of working for a large organisation, we have to question what is attracting so many of us to work for an SME? New research shows that a friendly atmosphere, having a close relationship with colleagues and bosses, and having a say in the future of the company come out on top for the key benefits of working in a small organisation.
The study which questioned over 1200 SME employees and over 550 SME employers, focused on the advantages of working for a SME and quizzed respondents on what makes them most happy at work.
Friendly colleagues came out on top for most employees (82%) and employers (78%) in terms of providing a positive working environment, whilst 54% of employees and 55% of employers also stated that this was a key advantage of working in a SME as opposed to a larger company.
Relationships seemed to be a fundamental reason why people choose to work for a small company with both employers (54%) and employees (55%) stating that being able to know more of the employees is an advantage over working in a larger company, and almost half (49%) of 18 – 24 year olds employees feeling they have a better social life with their colleagues in a SME.
The importance of working relationships was a consistent theme in the research as 45% of SME employees stated that having a closer relationship with their manager or supervisor makes them happy at work – and 58% employers indicated this as a an attribute that would make their employees happy.
The study went on to find that 31% of SME employers think staff taking coffee breaks provides them with a great chance to catch up with each other and can boost morale, further implementing the importance of relationships in a work environment.
Being able to have more say in what happens in the company was also highlighted as an advantage, however more SME employers considered this important (61%), than employees (41%), indicating that SME bosses may need to work a little on making their employees feel more relevant to their organisation.
Flexible working hours was identified as a positive attribute and a good management structure came out on top with 72% SME employees and 74% employers stating it is important for a positive work environment.
