Growth in Small Business Hiring Remains Sluggish

Business services provider CBIZ, Inc. released its small business employment index this morning. The index tracks hiring trends in companies with fewer than 300 workers. Following this morning’s report that non-farm payrolls grew by just 115,000 jobs, it’s probably no…

Published May 4, 2012, 10:32am ET · 1 min read

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Business services provider CBIZ, Inc. released its small business employment index this morning. The index tracks hiring trends in companies with fewer than 300 workers.

Following this morning’s report that non-farm payrolls grew by just 115,000 jobs, it’s probably no surprise that small business growth is also sluggish. The CBIZ index rose just 0.5% in April, following a rise of 1.66% in March. Of the companies surveyed, 22 % reported a headcount increase while 25% reported a decrease.

A CBIZ executive noted that in addition to showing virtually no hiring growth, the index also indicates that small businesses are adopting a “more strategic hiring practice”:

Individuals who lack experience or specific skills may not be considered for positions, as the employer would have to spend time training those employees. Small business owners are likely looking for new associates who can provide immediate productivity in the function that needs attention.

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Paul Ausick

Paul Ausick has been writing for 247Wallst.com for more than a decade. He has written extensively on investing in the energy, defense, and technology sectors. In a previous life, he wrote technical documentation and managed a marketing communications group in Silicon Valley.

He has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Chicago and now lives in Montana, where he fishes for trout in the summer and stays inside during the winter.

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