In my earlier post, I did hint on some of the challenges that SMEs face while hiring. Before we even set out to find viable solutions, it is necessary to take stock of the whats happening around the world as far as trends in hiring-and perhaps pick up a leaf or two!

The last eighteen months has seen a global economic meltdown at its devastating best. A recession that has hit all sizes of companies-big and small. Forcing a large majority to revisit their ‘hiring’ or ‘engagement models’, and shockingly to my chagrin, I must admit- most of it have been knee jerk reactions-cost cutting, layoffs, rightsizing,et al. Suddenly all theories of ‘ the human capital being the most valuable asset’ seems to be lip service !

This particular recession has-perhaps come faster across the world-and has affected more industries in the recent recorded memory of industrialisation-. And ironically, it can be almost entirely attributed to the ‘excesses’ of the BIG businesses-who are to be blamed for triggering the sequence.

Also, a lot of companies seem to be considering the recession -as an ‘unwanted guest’ -who has overstayed, and waiting for the person to leave …tolerating the inconvenience with a stiff upper lip. But what they do not realise, is that when the economy recovrs, most companies would have to deal with a candidate pool that’s not particularly excited to work for them !

As a recruiter working across some global mandates, I think the companies/businesses who are first off the block to hire NOW- would be the ones to benefit.

The hiring game is going to be different-and harder for the big companies. The myth of security and stability in larger companies has given way.

People are needing to know what they say-matters, regardless of rank and title. Values of informality and innovation will overrulemust take over from the beurocracy.

Here is where the SME sector can make a difference.Teams are smaller, and organisations flatter. The fast moving and vibrant atmosphere can attract and motivate people to perform -and cut through the heirarchy.

There is a large section of middle managers-who are willing to reassess their work-life balance, and rewilling to look at the compensation for more professional satisfaction and growth, and the opportunity to be responsible for their own actions.

I would even wager- the recession is perhaps the silver lining for SMEs-atleast in the war for talent!!

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 6th, 2009 at 8:19 am and is filed under Human Resources. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or ask a question.