Came across this interesting story via the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

A small business is the place to be if you want job satisfaction. And to be happy.

The FSB has backed a report on satisfaction levels in the UK workplace – from the Trades Union Congress (TUC)! While the TUC highlighted the low morale among one in four of the UK’s workforce, a YouGov poll for the TUC also revealed high levels of satisfaction among employees of small businesses.

As well as the highest job satisfaction rate (21% strongly agreeing and 41% tending to agree), small business employees were also the most committed (64%) and loyal (58%).

Employees in small firms also felt most engaged by their employer and reported the most freedom to choose their working patterns. There were also far fewer reports of bullying in small businesses; lower stress levels and less complaints about long working hours.

Does that sound familiar to you and your business? I’d say it was certainly my experience. There’s always a greater feeling of common purpose and cameraderie in a small business. And with short communication lines, decisions are quick.

The other thing that marks out is the sound of laughter. businessmotoring.co.uk operates from a converted Victorian building. And good-humoured banter is always to be heard from my landlord’s accountancy business; the card company below us; and the excellent cafe opposite with its brilliant bacon rolls and coffee.

What’s your experience?

Employees in small businesses are the most satisfied at work