2022 was another whirlwind of a year, off the back of a number of whirlwinds previous. Just when we thought COVID was out the door, the war in Ukraine started which lead to much of the world’s gas and energy prices sky-rocketing, leading to a knock on effect with inflation and cost-of-living. But if that was 2022, where does that leave us in 2023? And how will your work environment adapt? Well, that’s what we’re going to try and figure out here.
Looking Back at 2022
The big trend of 2022 was inflation, and the cost of good rising for businesses, meaning these also grew for consumers. And when that happens, you get spiralling costs across the entire world. So that means that things are more expensive, and more businesses struggle. One trend that has been emphasised is the link between customers and businesses. If a customer/consumer is struggling, businesses will feel the heat. That’s why it is key for businesses to either diversify or become the absolute best at what they do.
2022 also found environmental issues come front of mind. The need for renewable fuels because further emphasised, but the short-term desire to reduce costs meant that some decisions were made that went against the green agenda. More people understood the cost of going and not going green. But will they continue to care moving forward?
For that, and much more, we give you our predictions for trends in 2023:
5 Business Trends for 2023
Recruitment Troubles?
Recruitment has been a sticky spot for many businesses for a few years. During COVID, candidates didn’t want to leave a safe work environment, but also because more valuing of their time and efforts, a trend that had been brewing for a number of years. That has overflowed into last year and this, and now businesses are finding it a little more difficult to recruit because candidates are more selective than they have been previously.
Sustainability
This has been a trend for a number of years, and each year we put it on our list because sooner or later big changes will need to be made. Businesses are slowing becoming more environmentally conscious. We are seeing more customers enquire about our recycling services and buy our sustainable cleaning products. But focusing on green across the business can cost, even if it’s just a time cost when reassessing your green plans. Will 2023 be the year that more businesses turn green?
Seriously Social Media
There is no form of marketing more accurate and more volatile than social media marketing. But with different platforms facing different issues, how will businesses and brands tackle social media in 2023?
There’s no right or wrong answer, but the growth of TikTok and video content means that engaging your customers in that way will continue to be important. But now more than ever, you need to find the platforms that work for you. Twitter is an uncertain platform for companies at the best of times. And Facebook and their ads can aid profitability if you know what to do. But there are other ways to reach customers. Your plans will determine how successful your social and digital goals are.
Mobile Commerce
While the internet changed the game for shopping on the high street, something that is changing the game for online shopping is mobile commerce. More and more do people find themselves away from a desktop or laptop, and at their phones or tablets. So if you offer products, you need to ensure they are readily optimised for mobile commerce, and if you offer services, are they highly visible for mobile too?
The Little Game Changers
People expect more from their current or future employers. It isn’t enough to just expect people to stay within roles without ensuring where they go to work is clean, tidy and hygienic. So in a trend that links in to a few of the previous ones, it’s remembering the little things. A clean office, a tidy warehouse, safe equipment. Staff expect the basics as well as a good place to work. Don’t forget that.
How Direct365 Can Help
Direct365 are then small business experts. We offer services that businesses need. These services ensure that the basics of your business are covered. We’re talking safety, hygiene and sustainability. No work environment is serious without these. We deliver PAT testing to ensure your portable equipment is safe. We offer waste management services that are cheap and consistent. For more details on how Direct365 can help your business, fill in the quote form below and a knowledgeable advisor will call you back.