Kief Studio

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  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.

    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