Employment in Small-Business Sector Might Yield Big Career Boost

While big business typically equates to big employee benefits in the minds of many job seekers, it's time to challenge that bit of conventional wisdom. Small businesses, keen on survival instincts, play a big role in creation of new jobs, many of which come with excellent opportunities for career growth and provide generous benefits. Working conditions in the small-business sector, especially for working mothers, was recently covered by Working Mother Magazine. At a time when two out of every three new jobs and nearly half the gross domestic product of the United States comes from the small-business sector, it's important to consider how well you might fair at a small business. Additionally, the number of women-owned firms continues to grow at twice the rate of U.S. firms overall. As a result, many Americans are employed by companies of fewer than 100 employees with limited resources. How do they compete with larger companies, rich in financial and human resources, when it comes to providing benefits for employees?

The magazine ranked workplace ammenities at scores of small companies and found that as employers, many small businesses are family friendly, flexible, and nurturing. These workplaces foster employee growth and loyalty, demonstrating that supporting working parents and their families is not only possible, but great for the bottom line.

Amenities included delivered catered dinners to the homes of its new-parent employees; private virtual networks that link all employee office and home computers, giving staff flexibility in scheduling work hours; health and wellness services that extend far beyond health insurance; and other prime benefits, like on-site daycare, tuition assistance, and avenues for professional development.

The companies spanned in size from six to 100 employees. Types of businesses ranged from high-end financial consulting to a veterinary practice.

Job seekers, take note, especially those of you who are focusing only on large employers. By expanding your search to small firms, your career – and your family life – might be about to make a big step forward.

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