If you run a small business, chances are you’re keenly aware of the value of your team. You know the old adage ‘good people are hard to find’ is more than just something people say. It’s a truth that is just as relevant today as it was when you first heard it. Even with advances in technology and automation, human capital remains one of the most important pillars that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are built on. Good people are indeed hard to find and, more importantly, retain.

For top talent, compensation packages are second only to salary when it comes to the reasons they choose a job, then choose to stay. Locally available data indicates that only a small percentage of Jamaicans are enrolled in a retirement scheme, and it’s safe to say that offering a retirement scheme will make your company instantly more attractive to potential hires. They are keenly aware of their options and, thanks to networks like LinkedIn, will have no shortage of offers coming in – even if they’re not actively job hunting.

A retirement scheme will also take care of an important aspect of the future for your existing team. This will give them one less thing to worry about, increasing the amount of focus they’re able to give their work. It will also let them know they work for a company that cares. This can have an immeasurable impact on morale and lead to stronger loyalty and drive.

While MSMEs are hypervigilant about finances, and for good reason, providing a pension package for your employees will likely be more manageable than you think. To get started, reach out to an experienced pensions provider.

You can also choose to start your own company-sponsored scheme or enrol in an existing pooled scheme. A pooled scheme would allow your team members to opt in according to their individual risk appetites and retirement goals.

For MSMEs, offering a retirement plan will help shore up the human capital aspect of the business. And, with this pillar firmly in place, your business will be better able to move from surviving to thriving.

POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PENSION PROVIDER

• How much are the fees and how are they charged?
• What has been the performance of the investment returns?
• Can I select my investment mix based on my risk appetite?
• Can I make changes to my allocation and how often and is there a fee?
• How easy is it for me to access my information?

Victoria Mutual Pensions Management Limited can be contacted at: 
876-754-7265 or [email protected]