ADP Celebrates National Small Business Week with Advice from Nearly 18,000 Small Business Owners

Rhea-AI Summary

ADP shares valuable insights from nearly 18,000 small business owners through their Grit & Wisdom Contest, highlighting key strategies for small business success. The survey revealed three main themes: the importance of patience and persistence in business growth, the critical role of strong team building, and the unique mindset of small business owners characterized by love and enjoyment despite challenges.

ADP experts provided additional guidance on crucial areas: Tina Wang emphasized creative benefits strategies for talent attraction, Jason Delserro highlighted learning and development as growth catalysts, Meryl Gutterman stressed the importance of compliance monitoring, and Brooke Hatcher discussed leveraging technology while maintaining human connection.

Experts share additional insights to help small businesses navigate complex challenges and HR priorities

ROSELAND, N.J., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From the rapid rise of new technologies like generative AI to changing employee expectations and a shifting compliance landscape, small businesses continue to seek opportunities to thrive amid an ever-changing environment. In pursuit of that passion and in honor of National Small Business Week, ADP shares insights gained from nearly 18,000 small businesses across the U.S. as a result of ADP's Grit & Wisdom Contest, which invited small business owners to share their best strategies for success to empower fellow entrepreneurs. ADP experts additionally weigh in with unique perspectives on how to navigate forward.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/adp/9288851-en-adp-celebrates-national-small-business-week

See the top advice small business owners shared

Small businesses share their advice:

From the nearly 18,000 small businesses that shared their top advice, several key themes emerged for driving small business success:

• Success is a journey that requires patience and persistence: Small business owners noted how important it is to be open to new ideas, even if those ideas don't work right away. To stay ahead, they stressed the ability to embrace change, be adaptable, learn from mistakes and continuously innovate.
• The strength of a good team powers growth: Small businesses emphasized that how you treat your employees and the culture you create are powerful tools in inspiring and elevating those around you. They encouraged peers to lead by example and motivate employees to be curious, since it often leads to fresh ideas and improved practices.
• Small businesses have a distinct mindset: Small business owners know the journey comes with long hours and unexpected challenges. However, sentiment analysis revealed that love and enjoyment were the top emotions expressed in the advice shared. These emotions help sustain owners and translate into stronger customer relationships and team morale, driving long-term business success.

ADP talent, compliance and tech experts provide added insight:

• Get creative with benefits to attract talent: "For small businesses competing for talent, a comprehensive benefits strategy can help," said Tina Wang, division vice president of human resources at ADP. "There are more options now for small businesses to offer competitive benefits while still managing costs, and benefits can go a long way in making employees feel valued. Focus on high-impact benefits, from medical to retirement benefits, and prioritize education – recent ADP research shows that employees who better understand their benefits are more likely to value and stay with their employer. They're seeing and appreciating the investment their organization is making in them."
• Learning and development are catalysts for growth: "Learning and development are true growth engines for small businesses," said Jason Delserro, chief talent acquisition officer at ADP. "Creating clear pathways for employees to grow within your company is more essential than ever. Focus on critical skills and practical experience—not just formal credentials—and invest in on-the-job learning through training and stretch assignments. Small businesses have a unique edge: the ability to expose employees to multiple areas of the business. Define what you're looking for in a candidate, but also envision how they can evolve with your business in the years ahead."
• Stay on top of evolving compliance needs: "With the compliance landscape continuously changing, it's important for small businesses to monitor for changes," said Meryl Gutterman, senior counsel at ADP. "From minimum wage and salary threshold changes to pay transparency and paid leave laws, there may be federal or state-level changes that require action to remain compliant."
• Technology can help enable human potential: "As technology continues to evolve, small business owners are embracing tools that streamline operations — but not at the expense of human connection," said Brooke Hatcher, chief product officer at ADP. "They want smart, intuitive solutions that save time and reduce complexity, while still giving them access to real experts who understand their needs. It's about creating a support system that combines innovation with personal guidance from trusted advisors, so they can focus on growing their business."

For additional insight and resources, visit adp.com/gritandwisdom.

About ADP (NASDAQ: ADP)
Designing better ways to work through cutting-edge products, premium services and exceptional experiences that enable people to reach their full potential. HR, Talent, Time Management, Benefits and Payroll. Informed by data and designed for people. Learn more at ADP.com

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SOURCE ADP, Inc.

FAQ

What are the key findings from ADP's Grit & Wisdom Contest for small businesses in 2025?

The contest revealed three main themes: the importance of patience and persistence in business growth, the value of building strong teams, and the distinct small business mindset characterized by love and enjoyment despite challenges.

What benefits strategy does ADP recommend for small businesses to attract talent?

ADP recommends focusing on high-impact benefits, from medical to retirement benefits, while prioritizing benefits education. Research shows employees who better understand their benefits are more likely to value and stay with their employer.

How does ADP suggest small businesses handle learning and development?

ADP advises focusing on critical skills and practical experience over formal credentials, investing in on-the-job learning, and leveraging small businesses' unique ability to expose employees to multiple areas of the business.

What compliance considerations should small businesses focus on according to ADP?

Small businesses should monitor changes in minimum wage, salary thresholds, pay transparency, and paid leave laws at both federal and state levels to maintain compliance.

How does ADP recommend small businesses approach technology adoption?

ADP recommends using smart, intuitive solutions that streamline operations while maintaining human connection, creating a support system that combines innovation with personal guidance from trusted advisors.