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Research from the Harvard Business School shows that 15 minutes reflecting on the day improved employee performance by 23 per cent in just 10 days . That ’ s an amazing statistic and one that I ’ m sure we would all love to implement in our own businesses .
When I consider how this year compares to 2020 there have been some changes . This time last year , I was exhausted - as were my team . We ’ d changed , we ’ d adapted , and we ’ d survived . Just as every business that ’ s still here had .
2021 has been different but in no way less challenging . We ’ ve coped with the changes that Brexit has brought . We ’ ve survived another lockdown . We – like many other companies – are now back in the office with hybrid working . Furlough has ended and the war for talent has been reignited with businesses focused on retaining people as there ’ s a struggle to recruit talented people .
We ’ ve just had the 26th Conference of the Parties ( COP26 ) with the global issues of climate change now on the agenda for every boardroom .
All in all , 2021 has felt like a marathon . And the thought of what 2022 holds in store can be exhausting to contemplate – especially when we know there ’ s more uncertainty in store .
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Looking back , what have been the major developments for our clients over this past year :
• Strategic digital : Last year was all about a quick move to digital . This year , there ’ s been a more considered and strategic approach into how to embed technology to enable collaboration and engagement – internally and with clients and customers .
• New launches : It ’ s been great to see that clients have invested their time in research and development . This has led to a strong year of innovation with new brands , products and services being launched .
• Mergers and Acquisitions : While Covid-19 impacted M & A activity , there has been plenty of consolidations , especially in the
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last six months . The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that in Quarter 2 of 2021 , the total value of domestic M & A was £ 6.1bn higher than the previous quarter . Inward M & A investment was £ 19.4bn higher .
• Making the move to green : How to be sustainable has been a crucial question for businesses . Driven in part by COP26 , but also the recognition that each of us has a part to play in tackling climate change . It ’ s also of key importance for retaining employees and recruiting people – especially Generation Z .
• Health and Wellbeing : Covid has helped us rebalance the priority of health and wellbeing – for ourselves , our team and the people we work with . After nearly 18 months of semi-isolation , our immune systems have taken a hit . If it ’ s not Covid , then it will likely be flu , pneumonia and sheer exhaustion that ’ s contributing to time off sick . Health and wellbeing have been and will continue to be a top priority for businesses .
• The Great Resignation : The papers have been full of a predicted great resignation as people have the confidence to reassess their roles and positions . In August the number of open jobs surpassed 1 million for the first time ever . Just like employees , business owners are now feeling confident to recruit meaning that there ’ s stiff competition in attracting talent . Understanding your employer brand and how you attract people to want to work for you is critical .
Take the time to pause and reflect on what you ’ ve achieved . It makes planning for the years ahead so much easier . While it ’ s normal to look forward with slight trepidation , we also hope that there ’ s more than a tinge of excitement . There ’ s all to play for in 2022 and more . It ’ s time for innovation , adaptation , and exploration of new opportunities .
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“ There ' s all to play for in 2022 and more . It ' s time for innovation , adaption , and exploration of new opportunities " |
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