Over half of professionals would choose an SME over a multinational

A LinkedIn poll conducted by Matrix Recruitment found that 51% of respondents would choose an SME over a multinational employer, with flexibility, faster career progression and greater workplace impact emerging as key attractions.

The findings come as a number of multinational companies have announced job cuts in Ireland and salary growth across parts of the technology sector has moderated, prompting many workers to reassess what they value most in an employer.

According to Matrix Recruitment, while SMEs may struggle to match the salaries and benefits offered by larger global employers, they can compete by offering broader career opportunities, closer working relationships and more flexible working arrangements.

Rena Weld, recruitment manager at Matrix Recruitment, said smaller businesses should place greater emphasis on communicating these strengths when recruiting talent.

"While multinationals continue to offer strong salaries and global brand recognition, SMEs can compete by highlighting the opportunities they provide in terms of flexibility, career development, workplace culture and meaningful work."

The recruitment firm said work-life balance has become an increasingly important factor for Irish jobseekers, with many candidates now placing flexibility and wellbeing alongside salary when considering new roles.

Weld said SMEs are often better positioned to offer more adaptable working environments and quicker decision-making.

"Candidates are increasingly looking for adaptable working arrangements, quicker decision-making processes and a greater degree of autonomy. For many job hunters in Ireland, flexibility and work-life balance have become just as important as salary when choosing an employer."

Matrix Recruitment also said employees in smaller organizations are often exposed to a wider range of responsibilities, enabling them to develop skills more quickly and progress their careers faster than they might in larger companies.

"In an SME, employees often have greater visibility across the organization and more opportunities to take ownership of projects. With increased responsibility comes accelerated learning and development."

The company added that SMEs can also offer employees a greater sense of purpose by allowing them to see the direct impact of their work on business performance.

Weld said the survey reflects growing interest among professionals in the opportunities available outside large multinational employers.

"Our LinkedIn poll suggests there's a real appetite among professionals for the opportunities SMEs can offer. Businesses that promote their strengths around flexibility, career development, culture and meaningful work will be best placed to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive market."

* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.