The sluggish economic climate has worked to the advantage of many small firms by giving them first pick of job candidates, because many large companies are still reluctant to hire new workers. However, employment experts warn that if these small firms hire at below market wages, they will lose their best employees as soon as there's an economic turnaround. Small companies can offer benefits such as vacation, work-life balance and the opportunity for advancement in order to keep good workers even when the economy improves.
See "Soft market gives small firms new hiring clout", Ann Meyer, Chicago Tribune, September 28, 2003