HRTech Series: Using Strategic HR To Protect Your Team and Bottom Line

Small businesses have new challenges to attracting and keeping good employees: rising costs, mounting compliance requirements, and an unpredictable economy.

In a recent HR Tech Series article, "Hiring, Benefits and Compliance: Where HR Can Alleviate Small Business Pressures," G&A Partners' Tiffany Guthrie shares how these factors are impacting the financial health of businesses and their workforce.

"83% [of SMBs] have already raised prices to offset rising costs in order to keep up, but it’s often not enough," says Guthrie. "Just over half of SMBs have had to take out loans to sustain operations, and 30% of owners reported taking no pay for months to keep the business running. It’s not surprising that 56% have had to delay or eliminate raises, bonuses, or promotions, and half have eliminated or decreased certain benefits or perks."

These new findings from G&A's 2026 SMB Readiness Report highlight the lengths small businesses are going to keep their people and keep the lights on.

Guthrie finds that the right support can make the difference between just getting by and building sustainability. Partnering with companies or consultants with the right expertise can help in areas like benefits, compliance, and workforce planning, allowing business owners and leaders to focus on taking care of their people and growing their businesses.

Read the full HRTech Series article.