Small Business Owners Notice Human Resources

Inc. held its latest conference in September, in Orlando, Florida. Friedrich said employers there seemed to be having more trouble finding workers at all skill levels.

When participants in Principal group disability plans suffer potentially disabling conditions, the employers are more serious about doing what they can to help the participants return to work, Friedrich said.

Friedrich sees small employers increasing wages, and listening to ideas for improving their employee benefits.

"They're more open. and asking for help," Friedrich said. "I would say this market is incredibly healthy."

Friedrich said she also sees employers somewhat more open to the idea that someone has to train workers. But there are still limits on how far small employers are willing to go. "I'm not sure I've seen the actual commitment of dollars" for training, Friedrich said.

— Read 10 States With the Fastest Job Growth, on ThinkAdvisor.

— Connect with ThinkAdvisor Life/Health on LinkedIn and Twitter.