It was a cruel summer for small businesses, which are still struggling to find workers even as large companies announce layoffs and hiring freezes. More than one-third of 1,500 small business owners surveyed by Goldman Sachs said their hiring challenges worsened in the third quarter. Finding and retaining qualified employees was the biggest problem for 47%, up from the 43% who considered that the biggest problem in the second quarter. This points up the uneven effects of a cooling labor market, as many small businesses remain understaffed.

To solve that problem, some small companies are offering intensive training, helping new employees with video-based coaching from more experienced colleagues, and waiving academic degree requirements if applicants demonstrate necessary skills. According to another survey, by coaching and consulting firm Vistage, about 80% of small business owners increased wages and compensation to reduce hiring challenges, and another 11% plan to do so. The survey also showed 60% of small businesses have refined their recruiting strategies and 46% boosted employee benefits. Read The Wall Street Journal story for more detail.