The atmosphere & impact opportunities of a scale-up, or the benefits of a larger company?

​This is the debate I’m seeing very often right now.

Speaking to candidates, common themes when looking to leave large companies are:

- There’s a lack of progression opportunities or chance to make an impact.
- Corporate environments without much freedom and a large hierarchy.
- Slow decision making and lack of agility around strategy & new technologies.

To avoid having the same issues, candidates normally want to work in a start-up or scale-up environment.

These companies usually allow greater impact, have faster decision making & give a more ‘community’ feeling with everyone knowing each other.

That sounds great, right?

But whilst a scale-up environment covers all of the above there’s a trade-off…

You need to remember that smaller companies often can’t provide the same eye-watering benefits packages as some of their larger counterparts.

That means likely no large pension schemes (if at all), no big bonuses, smaller equipment and travel budgets.

It can also affect initial contract lengths.

If these are things you can make allowances for to start an awesome new challenge, then take the leap!

But just be sure to manage your expectations if you’re searching for a smaller company.