In addition to barbeques and beaches, the US Labor Day holiday is a time to celebrate workers and contemplate the future employment landscape. A study by the Executive Office of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers, titled Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow, notes expected growth in health care, education, transportation, and construction jobs. And it sees demand by employers for workers with good analytic and interactive skills; those who can think critically and solve problems.

Projected Distribution of Workers Across Major Industries, 2008 and 2016

But what do workers want? Small businesses have strong appeal for many. The conclusion of one global survey is: People Don’t Want to Work in Large Companies:

When asked what size organization they would prefer to work for given today’s economy, the majority (71%) of business leaders chose a medium or small organization, according to a worldwide survey of senior executives and managers conducted by NFI Research.

Forty percent say they would rather work in a medium organization while 31 percent chose a small organization. Only 14 percent prefer a large company.

Another study found:
In addition to job growth potential, when asked what most appealed to them about working for small companies, workers pointed to:
• A family-like work environment - 56 percent
• More employee recognition - 49 percent
• A sense that you can make a difference - 48 percent
• An absence of corporate red tape - 46 percent

In light of these findings, larger organizations may need to revisit their employee value proposition to attract their future talent. Nonetheless, organizations of all sizes worldwide can benefit from implementing Four Simple Ways to Make Your Employees Happier.
1. Help create a meaningful role.
2. Give feedback.
3. Offer professional development.
and…
4. Say thank you.