SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS PAIN POINTS

HIRING SKILLED EMPLOYEES and understanding health and safety compliance topped the list of pain points for local businesses in a recent MYOB Business Monitor survey.

The survey of more than 1,000 SMBs revealed that 41 percent are struggling to find staff, while 36 percent are experiencing difficulties understanding health and safety compliance and 29 percent are unsure of their obligations when dismissing an employee.

MYOB Head of Small Business Ingrid Cronin-Knight says hiring the right staff is fundamental to the growth and development of any business.

Skill shortages have been a significant problem for some time she says, with sectors such as construction, IT, manufacturing, retail and hospitality crying out for skilled workers.

“Having access to quality staff that bring the right skills and experience to the workforce is hugely important for New Zealand’s continued economic development.”

Businesses in construction and trades, retail and hospitality are feeling the most pressure from skills shortages. At the same time, there has been a marked increase in uncertainty surrounding health and safety obligations, particularly in the rural sector.

Following the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act in April 2016, half of all rural business operators now cite health and safety compliance as an issue – an 11 percent increase in 12 months. There’re concerns in the manufacturing sector too with 45 percent of operators highlighting it as an issue.

Cronin-Knight says there is more work to be done to realise good health and safety practices and ensure both businesses and employees understand the latest compliance obligations.

“If you’re not sure about your obligations then it is best to familiarise yourself with the Act, and reach out if you need extra assistance.”

Twenty-nine percent of SME owners also worry about the obligations that come with dismissing an employee.

“Exiting someone from your workplace can be hugely stressful and costly for small business owners. It’s no wonder almost a third of respondents highlighted it as a pain point for their operation,” says Cronin-Knight.