As Companies Struggle to Hire Employees, Small Businesses Owners Need to Think Outside the Box


With an abundance of jobs available, the labor force is more empowered than ever when choosing where to work, making recruiting challenging for many small business owners. While programs like the New Jersey Department of Labor’s Return and Earn Incentive (see below for more info) may help in situations where there are skills gaps, it does little to help the restauranteur in need of waitstaff or the retailer searching for seasonal help.

As usual, small business owners must utilize their resourcefulness and creativity to remain successful. They must determine their unique working proposition and be nimble and thoughtful in identifying how to recruit the right people for the job.

Wages, while important, are not the only motivator. As people return to work, work-life balance is top of mind. Whether it’s’s working from home, shifting to a four-day workweek, or offering great vacation or medical benefits, there are many ways for small businesses to set themselves apart. But it requires careful consideration and out-of-the-box thinking.

As a small business owner, you need to ask yourself, what does my business have to offer? Are you environmentally conscious, do you offer any flexibility, do you cover employee lunches? Consider your company culture. Would you want to do the work you are asking someone else to do in your work environment? What options can you offer to help your employees thrive both personally and professionally?

While it may sound daunting, it’s an excellent opportunity to reevaluate your small business from a new perspective and make it better for everyone. Even something as simple as a sign in your window that says “We like working here, and you will too! Hiring now” can make a big difference in the perception of your company to a potential employee.

Here are some related articles we thought you might find interesting:

NPR: As The Pandemic Recedes, Millions Of Workers Are Sayin’ ‘I Quit’
Monster: Fall 2021 Hiring Outlook

Indeed: 60 Creative Recruitment Ideas To Gain Qualified Talent
Reuters: U.S. job openings hit record high as employers struggle to find workers
CNBC: America’s small businesses still can’t find workers, but that’s not their biggest problem

Monster: Recruitment Planning After A Crisis