BrighterMonday Kenya has partnered with the SMEs Founder’s Association (SFA) to enhance the recruitment efforts of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who are keen to boost productivity by attracting and retaining top talent. The firms signed an MOU in early April to empower SMEs to hire right, the first time. According to the World Economic Forum, SMEs play a major role in most economies, particularly in developing countries, and account for the majority of businesses worldwide, significantly contributing to job creation and economic development. They represent about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide.
“The one-year collaboration will see the SME Founders Associationestablish an elite jobs inventory for its members, access innovative online hiring mechanisms, and benefit from extensive content on career advice and recruitment from industry experts. It will also leverage on the BrighterMonday’s networks to support growing businesses,” said the SMEs Founders Association Partnerships Director Frida Owing.
On his part, BrighterMonday Kenya Chief Executive Emmanuel Mutuma noted that SMEs are grappling with recruitment and HR staffing, and require support from experts in attracting and retaining talent. “The job market has changed mainly due to adaptation of digital tools that help businesses hire more effectively. We are pleased to partner with SFA and strategically walk with SMEs to enhance their recruitment and HR processes, and lower the risk of hiring wrong,” said Emmanuel.
The collaboration promises mutual benefits for its partners. It will enable BrighterMonday Kenya to secure SME clients and build credibility in the growing sector. Additionally, the online jobs firm will further its job listing and vacancy services to the relevant SME partners and help them hire right. “SMEs hold a special place in our hearts. In February 2021, 18.5% of our total revenue and 43.4% of customers came from SMEs,” added Mutuma.
Frida added that the partnership is timely, given the need to support SMEs to access people to take up roles that will enable their enterprises to thrive. “A lot has changed in the business landscape and strategic collaboration is required for SMEs to grow and compete for withlarge corporations,” she added. The collaboration will provide a framework for SFA and BrighterMondayKenya to help strengthen SMEs recruitment efforts, empowering the enterprises to establish strong recruitment processes and attract qualified candidates to help their businesses flourish, especially during and after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
