Small firms ‘have happier staff’

Employees in small businesses tend to be more satisfied at work than staff in larger firms, according to a survey by YouGov on behalf of the TUC.

The research found that 21% of small company employees strongly agreed they had higher levels of job satisfaction and 41% also "tended to agree" with that statement, while 64% felt they were more committed and 58% said they were more loyal than counterparts in bigger businesses.

Staff also reported the most freedom to choose their working patterns and there were fewer complaints about long hours, stress and bullying.

"Small business owners know their greatest asset is their staff and they are far more likely to treat them as individuals and recognise their needs," said John Wright, FSB national chairman.

"By having a committed and loyal workforce that has a say in how the organisation is run, the smallest business has a bigger advantage."