features
learn about business
finance options
quick enquiry
How to maximise the potential of your workforce
Deciding to increase your workforce is a choice which you may have to make if you want your small business to expand in the future. However, these days there are so many different options when it comes to increasing your workforce that it can be confusing to know which route to take. The right choice for you will depend heavily upon the type of business you manage, as well as its size. Although the process of recruiting may take time and involve a significant financial investment, if you spend time carefully researching the process, you may find that it works well for you in the long-term. Before deciding how to recruit, you should think about your reasons for hiring.
If you are replacing a valued member of staff, you will need to think about how you will be able to replace their unique skills and wealth of experience. Alternatively, you may decide that you need someone who offers a different vantage point and maybe does not possess the conventional experience you require. Alternatively, you may be hiring an additional member of staff to cope with an increased workload. If this is the case, how long will this increase last? Will it only be for a short period of time or do you think, realistically, that your workload will continue to increase drastically in the future?
Different choices will suit different small businesses so bear in mind that you do have a choice. Hiring an additional permanent employee may be the best choice to make if you really are serious about making a long-term investment in your company. If you choose this option, remember that you can choose whether they will be working on a full or part-time basis. If you have assessed your additional workload and believe that it will only be an issue for a short period of time, consider hiring an employee on a fixed-term contract. This contract could run out on a specific date or when a specific project has been completed adequately.
Freelancers, who are usually self-employed, provide another option. Legal obligations towards them still apply but this may be a good choice if you require specialised skills (such as computing skills) for an unspecified period of time. Temping is also becoming an increasingly popular choice, particularly with young people who are keen to gain valuable experience. Temporary workers can be very valuable assets but bear in mind that even though you will hold a contract with an employment agency, you still have legal obligations to fulfill with regards to workers on your premises, so make sure you’re up to date with working hour laws. A company familiar with providing advice for small business owners may be able to help you if you are still undecided as to your best option.