Kief Studio

Small business hiring

Notes

Small business hiring

Every Kief Studio note filed under Small business hiring, newest first. Read one before you decide to write to us.

  1. Support

    Small Business Labor Costs Just Hit a Record in NFIB's Survey. The Seat Costs More Than the Salary.

    Labor costs hit a record 14% in NFIB's May 2026 survey. What a full time hire really costs, per BLS, and a two question test for which roles should be a hire.

    Labor costs / Small business hiring / Cost of an employee

    Brian Gagne

  2. Support

    Small Business Hiring Slowed While AI Use Grew. That's Not a Contradiction.

    Small business hiring cooled in 2026 while 46% of small firms used AI. What NFIB, the Fed and BLS data show, and how to choose a hire, a tool or a partner.

    Amelia Gagne

  3. Support

    Your Next Hire Costs $140,000 or More. The Real Cost of Hiring, and What to Do When You Can't Find Them.

    The cost of hiring a $100,000 employee is about $147,500 in year one with average benefits and recruiting. Latest NFIB, BLS and KFF data, and when to partner instead.

    Brian Gagne