Another new year is here, bringing with it a ton of opportunities for you to grow and improve your small business.
And, despite the fact that we’re moving into the third year of a global pandemic, it’s smart to focus your energy on the positive things and to take stock of new small business trends you can use to future-proof your operations and thrive in the midst of uncertainty.
Here are some of the top small business trends in 2022 and what it means for owners and operators:
1. Flexible work is here to stay
Remember when remote work was a novel idea? Two years into the pandemic and it’s become the norm for many businesses, now embraced by employees and employers alike.
Employers will need to get creative about working arrangements to accommodate employees’ desire for more flexibility. Coworking spaces provide an excellent opportunity for organizations that want to embrace hybrid and flexible work.
And if you’re a small business of one but you’re tired of working from home, flexible office spaces can also provide you with a strong professional community and the tools you need to operate more efficiently.
What it means: Small business owners can survey employees to see what they want. Creative, flexible working arrangements like coworking spaces or hybrid in-office/work-from-home scheduling can increase motivation and productivity amongst employees.
2. Business with a heart
The pandemic brought about a personal reckoning for many people who finally had the time to stop and evaluate things that are most important in life. This, plus recent social movements and the changing face of the workforce (including Gen Z’s workplace priorities), point to the value of businesses with heart.
Companies that care about their customers and employees as people and who embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will be the winners in 2022. This is more than a small business trend—it’s an all-business trend, as we see many large companies and corporations taking DEI and other social movements seriously.
What it means: Small business owners need to infuse their own values and ideals into their businesses and operate with transparency and honesty.
3. Automation, technology, and AI-integration
Automation and AI (artificial intelligence) have already dramatically impacted the workplace. Scheduling, customer service, and even driving are possible through AI and automation.
This trend is set to continue, sped along by the pandemic that forced every business and organization to get a technology make-over to cope with an online-dominated world.
What it means: Small businesses will need to continue to invest in and improve their technologies to keep up with customer expectations for quick and efficient online services. By embracing these technologies, you can leverage a cost-effective way to free up your time to focus on the core aspects of your business.
4. Employee engagement and work-life balance
The Great Resignation has created staffing shortages and high turnover in a number of industries. Because employees are quitting at record rates, employers will need to adapt.
To keep staff happy, small businesses need to focus on increasing work-life balance, decreasing burnout, and prioritizing employee engagement.
What it means: Small businesses need to focus on making changes so employees are happy and engaged in order to recruit and retain talent.
5. Sustainable, agile, and resilient businesses
Small business trends over the last few years show that entrepreneurs know how to pivot and adjust in the midst of uncertainty. Many have adapted well by coming up with contingency or emergency plans. This trend will continue into 2022 as there is more uncertainty sure to come; businesses will need to be agile and flexible.
What it means: Small businesses need to prioritize contingency planning and invest in systems or processes that are flexible and agile in order to adapt to changing circumstances.
You can expect to see new small business trends emerging throughout the year. And it’s also always wise to keep tabs on industry-specific news or trends that you can put to work for your business.
If you’re a Tucson-based business or professional in search of a fully-equipped workspace and a supportive professional community, book a tour of The Post today.