The Top 6 Recruitment Challenges for Small Business and how to solve them
Sally Dillon • October 13, 2022
The Top 6 Recruitment Challenges for Small Business and how to solve them
Small Businesses vs Large Businesses
Small businesses are often at a disadvantage when hiring new staff, compared to big businesses who have bigger budgets for salaries and benefits, are more easily recognised by their brand and often have a lot more opportunity for different types of roles and internal growth.
However, with more and more candidates leaving jobs to seek better work / life balance, more autonomy and working options, small business have been given a fighting chance by differentiating themselves from the big players and offering a more personalised candidate experience and responsibility and autonomy in their roles.
So what are the challenges for small business and how can we solve them?
1. Attracting the RIGHT candidates
The job market is more competitive than ever, so you need to attract the best candidates for the job. Writing a clear, specific and interesting job ad addressing what’s in it for your candidates will help you attract the best of the best.
2. Creating an efficient recruitment process and hiring FAST
Most small businesses I speak to don’t have a clear recruitment process and figure it out as they go, or the process is in someone’s head. This can mean confusion between the people tasked to hire the role and/or a delay in the process. Make sure you have a clear written process (even if it’s only 1 page) and that everyone is across it and commit to agreed turn-around times for reviewing resumes and block out interview slots prior to advertising your job, so you can book people in as you go. You can also use free tools such as candidate questionnaires with the right questions to sift the applications before you even see them.
3. Creating a COMPETITIVE job offer
Do you know what your Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is, and can you articulate it?
This is more than just the salary. Small businesses often don’t realise how easy it is to build their offer out to include things like:
- paying for training courses;
- adding income protection insurance;
- starting a monthly or quarterly book club (book gifted linked to their role or your work);
- movie tickets;
- flu shots;
- subsidised gym memberships (pay some or all);
- paid parking;
- covering the cost of weekly train tickets;
- annual Netflix subscription; and
- pizza. Yes pizza! Everyone loves it, and hosting pizza Friday’s brings the team together and builds a positive interactive culture.
Non-monetary benefits could include;
- highlighting and living your company Values;
- great workplace culture;
- hybrid working;
- flexible working hours;
- negotiating a better job title in lieu of a higher salary; and
- growth/project opportunities.
Maybe you already have some of these things in place but don’t know how to present them in an enticing way. Defining and marketing your specific EVP in an attractive way can also be a game changer for potential new hires.
4. Building a STRONG employer brand
If you have a good employer brand you will attract better candidates. Businesses that invest in employer branding are 3 times more likely to make a quality hire. While it’s a complex process and includes everything from your EVP to candidate experience and culture.
The best place to start is to prioritise your candidate and employee experience, have a professional workplace with guidelines, policies, procedures (even if you are only a business of two people), provide flexibility and autonomy and encourage people from your business to tell a story about why they love working there via a written or short video testimonial. You can use this on your socials, web page or blog.
5. Ensuring a good candidate EXPERIENCE
Candidate experience links to your employer branding, candidates considering job offers and building trust with new employees before they have even started with you. This is often overlooked and so easy to do:
- Set expectations by outlining the recruitment process and timelines.
- Set reminders and stick to timelines, even if you don’t have an answer, ensure you email or call with an update when you said you would.
- Follow through on any promises.
- Give them all the information they need including who they will meet with, contact details, what is expected in any interviews (is it formal or just a chat over coffee) links to your website and social pages to make it easy to research you.
- Don’t agree to a start date unless you have an induction plan, know their equipment will be ready and someone will be available to spend time with them. Turning up to an unorganised first day can make them question if they have made the right decision.
6. Recruiting FAIRLY
Providing a fair and equal recruitment process not only adds to your employer branding and the candidate experience it also lowers your risk of legal issues that might arise from poorly run recruitment processes. Be mindful of your unconscious biases and stereotyping people and look for candidates that meet your criteria. Implement a strong pre-screening process via questionnaires at application stage, phone screening before interviewing and ensure everyone goes through the same process.
Need more help?
Do you need more help with any of the above, or want to assistance with making your next hire? Getting support for your small business is much more affordable than you may think!
BOOK A CALL with us now and let's chat about how we can help you save TIME, save MONEY, and hire the RIGHT people!
Introduction HR is one of the most misunderstood roles in business. Some believe HR exists to protect employees. Others think HR’s sole job is to defend the company. Both are wrong. And this misunderstanding is costing businesses money, trust, and talent. For over two decades, I’ve seen organisations sideline HR - treating them as a policy enforcer or an afterthought. The result? 🚨 Employees don’t trust HR. 🚨 Leaders fail to leverage HR strategically. 🚨 Businesses struggle with culture, retention, and performance. But here’s the truth: HR isn’t about sides. It’s about solutions. Great HR drives business outcomes by balancing people and performance. The question is: Are you using HR to its full potential? HR as a Strategic Powerhouse, Not Just a Policy Enforcer The best businesses don’t just "have" an HR department. They embed HR into leadership decisions. HR isn’t just about hiring, firing, and compliance - it’s about: ✅ Shaping culture and engagement (which directly impacts performance). ✅ Developing leadership capabilities (to create stronger teams). ✅ Driving strategic workforce planning (so you have the right people, in the right roles, at the right time). ✅ Maximising financial impact - because people are both your biggest cost and your greatest asset. If your HR function isn’t influencing leadership, growth, and profitability , you're leaving money on the table. HR as a Key Voice on Your Leadership Team Many leadership teams still treat HR as a support function rather than a core business driver. That’s a mistake. Your Chief People Officer (CPO) or HR Director should have the same level of influence as your CFO, COO, or Head of Sales. Why? Because your people strategy IS your business strategy. 🔹 You wouldn’t make financial decisions without consulting your CFO. 🔹 You wouldn’t make operational changes without your COO’s input. 🔹 So why make leadership and talent decisions without HR at the table ? And yet, in many businesses, HR reports to finance, operations, or admin - departments that have their own agenda when it comes to assessing people needs, budgets, and workforce requirements. HR should report directly to the CEO, or Business Owner to ensure people strategy is aligned with business strategy - not just budget constraints or operational efficiency. Because when HR is filtered through another department’s lens, critical workforce decisions become secondary to financial targets, logistical priorities, or admin processes. If your HR leader doesn’t report directly to the top, you may be unknowingly limiting their ability to drive real business outcomes. Are You Using HR to Its Full Potential? Take a moment and ask yourself: ❓ If you have an in-house HR team, are you using their skills and expertise across all areas of your business? Or are they stuck in admin-heavy tasks, when they could be driving strategic initiatives? ❓ If you’re a small or medium business and don’t have in-house HR, why haven’t you partnered with an external consultant? What’s stopping you from leveraging the expertise that could transform your business? In larger businesses, HR should go beyond just ‘HR.’ Under an expanded People & Culture framework, HR should oversee: ✔ Training & Development – ensuring leaders and employees are constantly upskilling. ✔ Work Health & Safety – making compliance, risk management, and employee wellbeing a priority. ✔ Recruitment & Talent Strategy – not just filling roles but attracting and retaining top performers. ✔ Major Projects & Change Management – ensuring workforce alignment with organisational shifts. In smaller businesses , these functions can be outsourced or strategically managed by an external HR consultant working directly with the business owner. This ensures a strong, aligned people strategy, while certain operational roles (finance, admin, or operations) may take on specific HR tasks - as long as they receive the right training, support, and strategic direction. HR isn’t just a department - it’s an investment in your business’s future. Whether in-house or external, make sure your HR function is working at a strategic level, not just buried in paperwork. HR’s Impact on the Bottom Line People aren’t just a cost centre - they are a profit driver. 📊 Labour is often one of the largest expenses in a business - so managing it strategically impacts profitability. 📊 Engaged employees are 23% more profitable , according to Gallup. 📊 Turnover costs 50-200% of an employee’s salary - losing top talent is expensive. When HR has a strategic voice in leadership , businesses see: ✔ Stronger alignment between business goals and people strategy. ✔ Faster, smarter hiring that supports growth. ✔ Better leadership development , reducing costly turnover. ✔ More effective workforce planning , so salaries, training, and hiring are investments—not wasted costs. Final Thought: HR is Not a Department - It’s a Business Growth Lever If your HR function feels like a compliance department , you’re doing it wrong. HR should be a leadership asset , helping your business make smarter, people-focused decisions. So, here’s my challenge to you: 📌 If you’re a CEO or MD - bring HR into the strategy conversation early and often. 📌 If you’re a leader - use HR as a coaching and development resource, not just a policy checker or problem fixer. 📌 If you’re in HR - push for a strategic role in leadership, not just operational support. Because when HR and leadership align , businesses don’t just succeed. They thrive. Want to Develop Stronger, More Strategic Leaders? If you’re serious about building leadership capability in your business, let’s talk. My Leadership Dynamics Accellerator Program helps CEOs, Business Owners, Leaders and HR teams create high-performing leaders who know how to balance people and performance. 📅 Book a free leadership triage call to see how we can help here . 🚀 Save your spot in our next Leadership Dynamics Accelerator Program here . 📩 Send us an email for more information here . Let’s build something stronger - together.
Is The Monkey Still Relevant? In the world of modern management, the concept of "Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey?" by William Oncken Jr. and Donald L. Wass still resonates deeply. Originally published in 1974 and revisited multiple times, this seminal article sheds light on a perennial issue: managers overwhelmed by tasks while subordinates seem to have ample time and energy. Understanding Management Time Today Managers today face a quartet of time demands: Boss-imposed time: Tasks directly mandated by superiors, non-negotiable and swiftly penalised if neglected. System-imposed time: Requests from peers for support, vital for organisational harmony and efficiency. Self-imposed time: Initiatives and tasks originating from the manager themselves, including tasks delegated by subordinates. Team member-imposed time: Requests, questions, or tasks initiated by team members that require the manager's attention or input. The challenge lies in balancing these demands to maximise discretionary time—time not governed by external pressures and crucial for strategic decision-making. The Monkey Metaphor in Today’s Workplace Imagine a manager walking down the hallway, stopped by a subordinate with an urgent issue. Initially, the problem is the subordinate's ("the monkey is on their back"). However, as the manager engages without immediately resolving, the monkey leaps to the manager's back. This shift represents how subordinates can inadvertently burden managers with their tasks and decisions. Practical Leadership Takeaways Empowerment through Initiative: Managers should foster a culture where subordinates take initiative and responsibility. This not only lightens the manager’s load but also enhances team autonomy and morale. Clear Communication: Setting clear boundaries and expectations prevents monkeys from leaping onto the manager's back. Discussions should clarify who owns the next steps and when they should be completed. Time Management: Effective time management is not just about personal efficiency but about strategically using discretionary time to focus on high-impact tasks and strategic priorities. Implementing Modern Strategies Today's managers must proactively manage their time and responsibilities: Appointment-Based Support: Engage with subordinates by appointment rather than ad-hoc interruptions to manage tasks effectively. Documentation and Follow-Up: Use technology and structured communication tools to document tasks and progress, ensuring clarity and accountability without burdening the manager. Training and Empowerment: Invest in training programs that empower subordinates to handle tasks independently and make informed decisions. Conclusion The timeless lesson from "Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey?" remains clear: managers must reclaim control over their time by preventing subordinate tasks from becoming their own. By fostering initiative, setting clear boundaries, and leveraging technology, modern leaders can achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in their roles. This approach not only reduces stress but also enhances organisational productivity and employee satisfaction—a win-win for managers navigating today’s complex business environments. You can read the original HBR Article here. Further Enhance Your Leadership Skills If you find yourself grappling with the challenges of balancing managerial responsibilities and empowering your team effectively, consider exploring our Leadership Dynamics Program at Revolution Consulting Group. Designed to equip leaders with modern strategies and practical tools, our program focuses on fostering a culture of accountability, enhancing team dynamics, and maximising leadership potential. Whether you're looking to refine your leadership approach or empower your team to take on greater responsibilities, our tailored coaching and training solutions can support your journey towards becoming a more effective and influential leader. Click here to book an free Triage Call to find out about how our 12 week Leadership Dynamics Program can benefit you. Click here to join our mailing list to get more tips, advice and updates on all things HR and Leadership.
READY TO GET THINGS DONE?
Revolution Consulting Group is your Dedicated HR Partner
Introduction HR is one of the most misunderstood roles in business. Some believe HR exists to protect employees. Others think HR’s sole job is to defend the company. Both are wrong. And this misunderstanding is costing businesses money, trust, and talent. For over two decades, I’ve seen organisations sideline HR - treating them as a policy enforcer or an afterthought. The result? 🚨 Employees don’t trust HR. 🚨 Leaders fail to leverage HR strategically. 🚨 Businesses struggle with culture, retention, and performance. But here’s the truth: HR isn’t about sides. It’s about solutions. Great HR drives business outcomes by balancing people and performance. The question is: Are you using HR to its full potential? HR as a Strategic Powerhouse, Not Just a Policy Enforcer The best businesses don’t just "have" an HR department. They embed HR into leadership decisions. HR isn’t just about hiring, firing, and compliance - it’s about: ✅ Shaping culture and engagement (which directly impacts performance). ✅ Developing leadership capabilities (to create stronger teams). ✅ Driving strategic workforce planning (so you have the right people, in the right roles, at the right time). ✅ Maximising financial impact - because people are both your biggest cost and your greatest asset. If your HR function isn’t influencing leadership, growth, and profitability , you're leaving money on the table. HR as a Key Voice on Your Leadership Team Many leadership teams still treat HR as a support function rather than a core business driver. That’s a mistake. Your Chief People Officer (CPO) or HR Director should have the same level of influence as your CFO, COO, or Head of Sales. Why? Because your people strategy IS your business strategy. 🔹 You wouldn’t make financial decisions without consulting your CFO. 🔹 You wouldn’t make operational changes without your COO’s input. 🔹 So why make leadership and talent decisions without HR at the table ? And yet, in many businesses, HR reports to finance, operations, or admin - departments that have their own agenda when it comes to assessing people needs, budgets, and workforce requirements. HR should report directly to the CEO, or Business Owner to ensure people strategy is aligned with business strategy - not just budget constraints or operational efficiency. Because when HR is filtered through another department’s lens, critical workforce decisions become secondary to financial targets, logistical priorities, or admin processes. If your HR leader doesn’t report directly to the top, you may be unknowingly limiting their ability to drive real business outcomes. Are You Using HR to Its Full Potential? Take a moment and ask yourself: ❓ If you have an in-house HR team, are you using their skills and expertise across all areas of your business? Or are they stuck in admin-heavy tasks, when they could be driving strategic initiatives? ❓ If you’re a small or medium business and don’t have in-house HR, why haven’t you partnered with an external consultant? What’s stopping you from leveraging the expertise that could transform your business? In larger businesses, HR should go beyond just ‘HR.’ Under an expanded People & Culture framework, HR should oversee: ✔ Training & Development – ensuring leaders and employees are constantly upskilling. ✔ Work Health & Safety – making compliance, risk management, and employee wellbeing a priority. ✔ Recruitment & Talent Strategy – not just filling roles but attracting and retaining top performers. ✔ Major Projects & Change Management – ensuring workforce alignment with organisational shifts. In smaller businesses , these functions can be outsourced or strategically managed by an external HR consultant working directly with the business owner. This ensures a strong, aligned people strategy, while certain operational roles (finance, admin, or operations) may take on specific HR tasks - as long as they receive the right training, support, and strategic direction. HR isn’t just a department - it’s an investment in your business’s future. Whether in-house or external, make sure your HR function is working at a strategic level, not just buried in paperwork. HR’s Impact on the Bottom Line People aren’t just a cost centre - they are a profit driver. 📊 Labour is often one of the largest expenses in a business - so managing it strategically impacts profitability. 📊 Engaged employees are 23% more profitable , according to Gallup. 📊 Turnover costs 50-200% of an employee’s salary - losing top talent is expensive. When HR has a strategic voice in leadership , businesses see: ✔ Stronger alignment between business goals and people strategy. ✔ Faster, smarter hiring that supports growth. ✔ Better leadership development , reducing costly turnover. ✔ More effective workforce planning , so salaries, training, and hiring are investments—not wasted costs. Final Thought: HR is Not a Department - It’s a Business Growth Lever If your HR function feels like a compliance department , you’re doing it wrong. HR should be a leadership asset , helping your business make smarter, people-focused decisions. So, here’s my challenge to you: 📌 If you’re a CEO or MD - bring HR into the strategy conversation early and often. 📌 If you’re a leader - use HR as a coaching and development resource, not just a policy checker or problem fixer. 📌 If you’re in HR - push for a strategic role in leadership, not just operational support. Because when HR and leadership align , businesses don’t just succeed. They thrive. Want to Develop Stronger, More Strategic Leaders? If you’re serious about building leadership capability in your business, let’s talk. My Leadership Dynamics Accellerator Program helps CEOs, Business Owners, Leaders and HR teams create high-performing leaders who know how to balance people and performance. 📅 Book a free leadership triage call to see how we can help here . 🚀 Save your spot in our next Leadership Dynamics Accelerator Program here . 📩 Send us an email for more information here . Let’s build something stronger - together.
Website Management 
Love My Online Marketing