3 Ways to Attract Quality Employees

But many small businesses are at a disadvantage simply because they normally can’t afford to pay for many of the perks that their larger competitors do.  So they end up with the employees that their competitors rejected for one reason or another.  But small business owners have options for benefits and perks that they can offer to their employees—some of which will cost some money, and some that won’t cost anything at all. Let’s take a look at a few.

Time Off

It’s difficult to give up pay when you want or need time off, but that’s the reality for many people who work for small businesses.  In fact, the lack of vacation time or paid time off is one of the major reasons many people won’t even consider working for a small business.  And while it’s probably not fiscally reasonable to try and match some of the large corporate employer vacation plans, it’s entirely possible for a small business to offer some paid time off to its employees.

Paid time off, or PTO, is the new way of making sure that employees are given some time off, without having to forego their paychecks.  Instead of offering a typical two week block of vacation time, many small companies offer their employees a set amount of days—say 7 a year—that can be used any way the employee chooses.  They can take the PTO one day at a time for sick days or long weekend trips, or they can take it in a block of time.  It will cost money because someone will have to do the work of the vacationing employee, but the benefits of a refreshed and happy employee just may outweigh the costs.

Flexible Schedules

One of the best ways that small employers can attract quality employees is to offer them flex-time.  This type of work arrangement allows an employee to work the hours that are the best for them and their families.  For instance, if one spouse works during normal work hours, the other may need special hours in order to attend to sick family members.  The same amount of work is done, just at hours that work for the employee’s life.  The great thing about offering this benefit to potential employees is that it won’t cost you anything in terms of real money.

Telecommuting

In addition to offering flex-time, many small businesses offer their employees the option of working from home.  This accomplishes two things.  First, it attracts another group of potential employees who need to work from home for various reasons, and never would have considered working for the business if telecommuting wasn’t an option.  In addition, it may reduce the costs for the business because there is no need to provide an office space for employees.  Costs can also be reduced by hiring an at-home worker part-time—something not as easily done in an office environment.

By being creative with the benefits that you offer your employees, you will create a loyalty that will encourage them to stay around for a long time.  Can you imagine being offered flex-time that suits your life perfectly, and ever deciding to look for work elsewhere? Fortunately, at FeeFighters we give everyone these luxuries, and we think we have happier, better quality employees for it!

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