Small and medium-sized businesses are nearly five times more likely to hire people this quarter than large businesses, the latest research suggests.

The poll shows the proportion of smaller employers expecting to increase staff levels compared with those who will decrease headcount is plus-52.

The figures, published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) at its annual conference today, compare with only plus-11 for big organisations.

But the group also warned that growth must be handled carefully and that having a clear purpose and vision is key to employee satisfaction and retention.

With growth in headcount comes a risk that key values could be diluted, it said.

The group offers its five tips for retaining company culture:

- Look out for subtle signs that your employees are becoming less engaged with your business as you grow.

- Articulate your purpose and values in a way that reflects your founding principles but also in a way that your people can identify with.

- Ensure that your employees understand the back-story of your business as well as their role in building its future to increase their engagement and sense of ownership.

- Consider how introducing new formal processes and procedures will affect your business culture.

- Your values and purpose need to be the golden thread through all your people practices, especially your recruitment processes.