What are the advantage for employees by working for a big employer versus a small business?

Question

I would like to know, do bigger employers provide more job security, better benefits, compared to a smaller business?

Answer 1

"Bigger" and "smaller" are relative terms. Statistically, businesses with fewer than 10 employees are the most likely to have the worst benefits (including complete absence of health coverage). Beyond that, it's a coin toss.

Also, job security and benefits have a habit of being inversely related; the most secure jobs generally are the ones with the worst benefits.

Answer 2

I started at a small local company with about six employees and through the years and eight mergers and acquisitions I was working at one of the largest medical laboratories in the country. I missed the friendly lunches, camaraderie of the early years but really enjoyed the longer vacation and personal days at the bigger company. You need to decide what you are looking for. When I worked at a large retail corporation a few years ago the benefits were lousy, the discount was nice, and the employees were miserable. Some companies can offer both worlds but you need to do some research while you are thinking it over.

Try making a list with what you like best at a job. Is it high salary? Is it flextime? Can you leave if your child has an emergency without any problems at work on your return? Do you want to be a little fish in a big pond or a little fish in a little pond?

Good luck!

Answer 3

I have worked in both types of situations. Here is my opinion:

Big companies (advantages):
1. Often better health care packages, because they sign up "in bulk".
2. Room for advancement, if you progress.
3. Larger companies often stay in business for a longer period of time because they are established.

Big companies (disadvantages):
1. Sometimes an employee can get "lost in the shuffle" because the company is too large.
2. Office gossip is at its' height, and you have to always be on guard.
3. They often feel that any employee is replaceable, and they are often not too kind about it.

Small companies (advantages):
1. You are always dealing one on one with the owner.
2. It's easier to ask questions.
3. Your work performance is noticed and appreciated, if the owner works in the office with you.
4. You have a better chance of a decent raise, because you are not competing with a large number of employees.
5. If you are offered health insurance, often the employer can afford to pay it, if he has a very small company.
6. No office gossip to deal with!!!
7. You often work alone, and can show that you can be trusted.

Small company (disadvantages):
1. If the company is not doing well financially, it can fold, and leave you in the dark.
2. Eventually the owner will want to retire, (if they 're older), and they choose not to sell the business. You will probably get a great reference, but you will have to start all over again.
3. You must always be a professional, and get along with the boss's wife and family. They'll be around a lot.

I work for a very small company, and I myself wouldn't have it any other way. I am also fortunate to work alone a lot, which I enjoy. My boss is extremely ethical, but he can also be very particular in the way he wants things done.

Answer 4

More equitable treatment based on corporate rules.

Better and often bigger benefits package.

More competitive wages.

Greater flexibility due to larger work force able to absorb tasks of someone missing.

Less job security, because the owner feels little loyalty to the individual. Massive layoffs are common.

Answer 5

I concur with Maryn. The only other thing I might add is usually there are more opportunities for advancement in a larger company.