As 2022 draws to a close, we take a look back at some key trends in 2022 and how we expect this to play out in 2023.
During 2022 there have been efforts to implement monumental changes across all industries. We have seen climate change activists covering iconic paintings in soup to protest against the extraction and use of fossil fuels. We are suffering the effects of the pandemic as we enter a recession that began in Q3 of 2022. The cost of living has increased with 91% of adults in Great Britain reporting an inflation in their cost of living in October – November. Trials for a four-day working week have also taken place which has proven to improve morale and decrease absences. Despite these changes sounding somewhat negative, we expect to see the positive repercussions take place in 2023. So what are the trends to look out for?
Sustainability and circular economy will be a key trend not only in 2023 but also years to come. Businesses need sustainable initiatives at the forefront of their work, making small changes that contribute to creating great economic changes. At iPhorms we have gone paperless and aim to continue looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint. One piece of paper reduces oxygen production by 30 to 60 people’s worth. It is estimated by the Climate Group that digital applications could replace up to 25% of paper consumption. It’s not only a great alternative for the environment, but it’s where consumers are moving so a digital transformation also increases customer experience and satisfaction.
The cost-of-living crisis is one of the many consequences of the pandemic, however, as we leave this behind, we hope to see household incomes begin to rise again. Emerging markets will also continue to grow with global growth of around 2%. As individuals and business owners ourselves, we’ll be on the lookout for potential solutions that could help any of our clients and could also inspire other players in the industry to make a difference. Needless to say, the solutions we provide, along with other businesses, would be a stop-gap measure to the real crisis, it’s government policy and regulations that are needed to truly make a difference. This is a stance we expect to see in 2023.
We also saw the four-day working week trial take place this year, whereby parliament debated for the first time if to implement this initiative. From 2019 to 2021, we saw a 10% rise in organisations (up to 50%) with an employee well-being strategy in place. Many businesses have implemented the 4-day working model to not only benefit the team’s creativity and productivity during office hours but to ensure they have time to enjoy their hobbies for a better work-life balance. From that, it has been proven that morale and productivity have improved. It’s wonderful to see many businesses putting their employees’ well-being at the forefront of their business and we hope to see others follow in their footsteps.
We hope to see positive and exciting changes in 2023 for all businesses, the ones affected by the pandemic, economic, and climate crisis.
Image by Gordon Johnson, Pixabay.