JTU wrote: If you've ever owned your own business, then you would know that a good employee becomes more valuable over time as they continue to develop their skills.

Good employees or a new recruit is only as good as to what they bring to the table and how long they last. It boils down to whether they are only good for making coffee or when can they start producing?. The smaller the company, the more cost it has to absorb with dead weight and on the job training which takes away productivity by skilled workers (ones doing the training). Every employer must invest in training new recruits on how to conduct business or provide services following the established company methods.The downside and risk for smaller companies is that a new recruit may jump ship after coming up to speed. Only very big companies and Government with endlessly deep pockets can easily provide babysitting and on the job training.