It’s a new year, time to start fresh, move ahead with the new, and make last year look… so last year! But what kind of resolutions should today’s businesses be hoping to achieve?
There’s no question; the last couple of years have been anything but ordinary. Resolution-wise, what would have seemed right at the start of 2020—before the world was turned on its head—might seem a bit stale by today’s standards.
Keep better records. Use more apps. Stay organized. Go paperless. Hire freelancers. Get an answering service. Sure, they’re all ways to improve your business and get more efficient about your time, but let’s face it. Times have changed. So have your customers. And knowing what they care about should be what informs you.
Business New Year’s Resolutions to Keep You on Top in 2023
Let’s look at what some of the most successful and progressive companies are doing to advance their cause.
Trim the Fat
Prioritizing lean operations is essential to business growth in today’s economy. With wages rising along with the cost of office supplies, packaging, and raw materials, you need to find ways to reduce costs without compromising quality. Here are a few ways you can do this:
- Minimize packaging. Send goods in packages as compact as you can manage. Prioritize paper and recyclable packaging over plastics. Use recycled packaging materials when possible.
- Switch to e-billing. Sending invoices electronically helps you get paid faster and eliminates the need for paper, printer ink, and postage.
- Use a virtual mail service. Eliminating postal mail puts time back in your day and ensures you don’t miss any critical mail.
- Purchase eco–friendly office equipment and supplies. Newer printers are more energy-efficient, and many offer refillable ink cartridges, which are cheaper and keep a lot of plastic toxic waste out of our landfills.
- Review your service agreements. You likely have contracts for services like internet, waste removal, cleaning, etc. but do you know what you’re actually paying for? Review your service agreements to find out. If you discover you’re paying for services or features you don’t use, speak to your provider about it. They’re usually happy to work with you to reduce costs, so everyone is happy.
Prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)
DE&I is essential in today’s world and should be embedded in everything related to the employee experience. Reducing bias in the hiring process, coaching managers on how to lead in a way that invites everyone to have a voice, and being able to measure the success of your DE&I initiatives are all critical.
When you prioritize diversity, inclusion, and equity, everyone benefits. Your employees will be happier, which will show through reduced turnover and greater customer satisfaction.
Think About a Brand Refresh
How has your company changed over the past couple of years? Chances are, a lot! In that case, you’ll need to look at your brand’s message and decide whether it’s still relevant. If you’re putting a lot of effort into DE&I, for example, a refresh is a perfect opportunity to highlight your new focus.
Need help switching the year into high gear? Talk to us about what you need! The Business Workspaces team is always ready to get to work when you are.
