More than twice as many of the Millennial generation prefer working for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), compared to working for big businesses, a survey has revealed.

New research from Sodexo Engage has found that 47 per cent of 20 to 35-year-olds feel that SMEs are the ideal business size for them, compared to just 19 per cent who thought big was best.

In the South West, the figures showed 45 per cent of respondents believe that an SME is the ideal business size in the UK.

The research surveyed the working preferences of all generations and compared these with their perceptions and expectations of different business sizes.

The benefits expected more in SMEs by millennials than in big business included flexible working hours (43per cent), friendlier company culture (79 per cent) and individual attention and training (62 per cent).

However, only 21 per cent expected a higher salary from SMEs and 23 per cent the ability to work remotely.

Iain McMath, CEO of Sodexo Engage, said: "The future of our economy depends on SMEs and having a productive workforce. Millennials have captured the interest of academics and business leaders alike, but this is the first time we can definitively say that SMEs are their natural home and in fact, their preference.

"The results show that the demands of this generation match the expectations of what life in an SME is like. On the other hand, businesses face a reputational challenge to prove that those seeking a friendly company culture and ability to lead a more flexible lifestyle can do so in corporate giants."

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