Benefits of working for a small company (vs a large company)

When researching a new job, finding the right role is only half the battle. The type of company you end up working for is just as important. You need somewhere that supports your career goals and aligns with your values and ways of working.

One of the biggest factors to take into consideration is company size. Culture varies regardless of size, but it can be a good indicator of what to expect from a workplace. We’re a little biased when it comes to this topic (have you heard about our Small Employer of the Year Award?), but we’re firm believers in the benefits of working for a small company.

So, let’s look at what you can expect from working for a small company, and why it matters.

Your voice matters (no megaphone required)

Large organisations have management layers at every level. It’s tricky to impact real change unless you’re part of the top-tier decision-makers.

Fewer employees mean that everyone’s voice is so much louder. Your ideas and opinions won't be drowned out. Need to make a suggestion, propose a change or challenge the status quo? In a small company, you can collaborate with internal stakeholders to make your vision a reality, without the bureaucratic holdups.

Wave goodbye to feeling like a cog in a massive machine. Here, your voice carries weight and can spark real transformation in your business.

Jack of all trades (better than a master of one)

Large companies often have specialist roles — people who use their skills for a particular purpose. In a small company, the reverse is the case. Each employee has the opportunity to get hands-on experience in multiple areas, if they want. This allows you to carve out your niche, gain autonomy over your work and explore more opportunities.

On top of learning new skills, in a small company, you have the opportunity to take on a new role and make it your own. Brought in as an admin assistant but find yourself working as the office IT support because you love problem-solving tech? That’s a job — why not talk to management about a change of roles?

Career progression (big fish, small pond)

Large companies have multiple decision-makers. So unless you’re lining directly into the board of directors, your progression is likely locked behind a wall of bureaucracy and paperwork.

Small companies streamline this process. Even entry-level employees are only a couple of steps away from the “big cheese”.

Here’s that magic word again — opportunity. As a bigger fish in a smaller pond, you’ll have the opportunity to progress and grow in your role. And with fewer levels of management, progression takes centre stage. In a large company, you could spend years in middle management. In that time at a small company, you could become head of the department.

Stability and security (everyone is a hero)

There’s something to be said for your level of job security in a large company. In theory, the larger the company, the more profitable and powerful. But at the risk of doomsaying, how many large companies have you seen lay off hundreds of staff in one go? Oof.

As a player in a small company, your role is vital. You might be the only Accountant, the only IT Technician, or the only Marketer. If you aren’t there, then that’s a major blow to the functionality of the business.

Remember — with great power there must also come great responsibility. We don’t recommend using your leverage to demand more than the business can comfortably provide. But without a doubt, your job is more secure and stable when you’re absolutely integral.

You know your colleagues (a name and a face)

Getting to know your new colleagues is one of the most important parts of starting a new job. In a large company, you’ll only really get to know your immediate co-workers.

Working for a smaller company means you’ll benefit from the camaraderie of a small team. So while there are friendships abound in any company, a small company creates a close-knit group of true friends who’ve got your back no matter what.

Join our team

We’re always on the lookout for talented folk who want to join our own small company. At Articulate Marketing you’ll have that impactful, big-fish position you’ve been waiting for. We aim to ensure that your time at Articulate is time well spent, whatever that means for you. For some, that’s building a career; others simply enjoy wearing pyjamas all day because hey, it’s remote work.

So, if you like the sound of working for a small (but mighty) company, what are you waiting for?

Learn more about who we are and what we stand for, or just dive right into applying for a job.