When you’re looking for a job, you have the right to consider many factors when deciding whether a potential new workplace is the right fit for you. It may be that the job itself is what you’ve always dreamed of, but perhaps the working environment is not what you’re used to, or not something you’d comfortably fit into. The main example of this is a small business vs. a large business. If you’ve only ever worked in a huge company with a gargantuan team of staff, then you should prepare yourself for a big change when accepting a role within a small company.
Here are the key areas you need to know about when considering a small business role.
You May Be Expected to Take on Many Responsibilities
A lot of small companies embrace an ‘all hands on deck’ approach. This means that it might be a shock to the system if you’re used to having one dedicated role within a large company, with no other responsibilities. Perhaps your main role will be marketing, sales or another important category, but you will also be responsible for answering the phones, greeting clients or customers into the building, and even providing accounting support. This can be very beneficial if you’re looking to expand your skillset and take on other roles, but it can also be a negative aspect if you’d prefer a single dedicated role.
You Might Develop a Close Bond with the Business Owner
The majority of small businesses have an owner who likes to be in the thick of it and position themselves directly within the team. They might even work in the same office or location as you. You should expect to see a lot of the business owner, especially if the small business is just getting on its feet. While it can be very rewarding to have a close relationship with the business owner, it can also make certain situations a little awkward. For example, if you suffer a workplace injury or accident, and are required to put in a claim, you may feel guilty or uncomfortable working in the same environment as the owner if they know you have put in a claim against them. Whereas, with a large company, it could be the case that you’ve never even met the business owner. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing, however, as you could receive full, personal support from a business owner who you’re close to if you do suffer an accident. Follow this link to find out more about employee compensation claims.
There Probably Won’t Be Any Departments
Whilst working for a large company, you would have been directed to separate accounting departments, marketing departments, or HR departments. Within a small company, however, you may find that all these departments amount to a single person working at a desk. This can make it difficult to separate the relevant channels if you’re looking for more stability in that area. For instance, your small company’s official HR representative could be the manager or business owner themselves. While this at least encourages better communication and knowing precisely who to speak to if you have an issue, it can be a lot to get used to if you’re more familiar with large departments.
Whether you prefer to work in a small or a large company, there’s no denying that there are key benefits to both situations. What matters most is which one you would feel more comfortable in.
