By Jireh Quines, Engagement Strategist at About Staffing
“People only leave small companies to move up.”
Big perks. Big titles. Big-name companies.
That’s where the best employees are supposed to go… or so we’ve been told.
But not everyone is chasing a corporate name or flashy perks. More and more, employees are looking for something deeper:
- A sense of purpose
- A place where they’re seen and valued
- Work that feels like it matters
I know, because I was one of those people.
In fact, I did the opposite of what most expect: I left a big company to join a small business.
It wasn’t because I couldn’t “cut it” in the corporate world. Over time, something in me just shifted. The more I worked in large organizations, the more I realized I wanted something different. I wasn’t even actively job searching, but I knew I wanted work that felt more aligned.
That’s when About Staffing reached out.
From the very first conversation, I could tell they weren’t just hiring to fill a role. They genuinely wanted to understand who I was and how I could contribute.
The real game-changer? There wasn’t even a job posting for my current role. They saw where I thrived and built the position around that.
Looking back, here’s what I’ve realized about what employees want from small businesses and how small businesses are uniquely positioned to deliver.
Why Choosing a Small Business Matters for Employees
Trust That Builds Loyalty
I came into this role with a simple goal: to find a workplace where I could grow and feel aligned.
What I didn’t expect was to be met with immediate trust.
About Staffing saw my potential from day one. Not just as someone stepping into a role, but as someone who could offer real value. They didn’t wait to see if I was “worth the pay.” They offered fair compensation right from the start, not because I asked for it but because they believed in what I could bring to the table.
That kind of belief in people is rare, and it is more powerful than you think. It is one of the top examples of what employees want from small businesses.
Flexibility That Enables Growth
In a smaller company, there’s less red tape and more room to be human. I wasn’t boxed into a rigid job description or limited by layers of approval. I had the freedom to share ideas, take initiative, and grow in areas where I naturally excel.
That flexibility isn’t a lack of structure. It’s what allows people to find their strengths and bring their best work forward.
If you’re asking yourself what employees want from small businesses, flexibility should be at the top of the list.
Being Seen, Not Just Managed
What surprised me most was how much being seen mattered. Small gestures like remembering my goals, asking how I was doing, and actually caring about the answer added up.
It reminded me that culture isn’t just a buzzword. It’s how people feel on a daily basis, whenever they walk into your workplace.
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of what employees want from small businesses: genuine care and recognition.
What This Means for Small Businesses
If you’re a small business wondering how to attract or retain great people, don’t underestimate what you already have:
- Authenticity
- Agility
- A people-first culture
You might not offer flashy perks or have national name recognition. But you can offer something many professionals are actively seeking: a workplace that actually aligns with their values.
And there’s no better time to reflect on this than during Small Business Week with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. It’s a reminder that bigger isn’t always better.
Sometimes, the most meaningful work happens in places where people are trusted, seen, and empowered to grow.
That’s what I found at About Staffing.
And that’s what employees want from small businesses.
Contact us today to discover how our expert recruitment, hiring, and payroll services can help elevate your business or explore our exciting career growth opportunities and transformative training programs. Whether you’re seeking your next role or your next rockstar employee, we’ve got you covered!