UK small businesses are struggling with the biggest workplace disruptions in recent history

Over the last year, research has found that nearly 1 in 4 small businesses were unable to find enough staff at short notice, and 1 in 5 had to reduce opening hours due to staff shortages.

There are various reasons why small businesses are struggling with staff shortages. For example, a rise in the number of employees over age 50 leaving work and retiring due to the Covid19 pandemic, or the 'Great Resignation' where staff quit their jobs in hope of better career prospects and more flexibility.

Small business owners feel greater damage from this than their bigger competitors. Long-term difficulty with worker shortages could mean huge consequences.

New approaches to assist with filling vacant roles could include employee engagement - which helps with talent acquisition and retention. Employee engagement is the mental and emotional connection your workers feel towards the business, the work they do and their team.

One way that improving employee engagement could be achieved is by ensuring your staff have the right resources to do their job, e.g. up-to-date technology. 1 in 5 employees said outdated technology is their number one cause of frustration.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Tackling the workforce crisis they are facing will provide a much needed boost, which will in turn help the UK economy during the current challenges.

Article by HR news