The Covid-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the entire world. Everywhere felt like ground zero for many businesses, and responding quickly was critical to survival. Businesses all over the world have undergone rapid, fundamental transformations and innovations since then. Many norms that were accepted before the pandemic have now been proven to be ineffective in 2021.
With uncertainty on the rise and enterprises trying new strategies to stay afloat, the typical way of doing business has become antiquated. The largest and most successful companies in 2021 will be those that have studied and adapted to the current trends in the business world. Here’s what you need to know about some trends that will affect businesses in 2021 and beyond.
Work from home: The new normal
Many businesses found a way to continue operating in the face of the pandemic in 2020 with work-from-home. Not only that, but many employers saw the advantages of a remote workforce, such as cost savings and reduced equipment maintenance. This trend will continue in 2021 and beyond.
Companies that previously required large commercial spaces can now relocate to smaller spaces because they no longer need to accommodate a large workforce physically. Of course, many businesses will still need on-site workers, but the resources invested may be limited to only the most essential services. Video conferencing apps will continue to make it easier for employees to communicate with one another.
Freelance work to become more common
As the workforce shifts from physical to remote locations, there is a strong trend toward freelance work. Many who want to start a small service business on the side can now work freelance jobs in addition to their full-time jobs. This could eventually lead to an increase in the number of consultancy startups.
With the rise of freelancing, many businesses may no longer see the need to hire and invest in permanent employees because freelancers can do the same job for less money. Freelancers are now armed with tools like Salt to process payments and manage finances.
E-commerce and mobile commerce
With more of us working from home and spending less time outside, e-commerce has proven to be a lifesaver. E-commerce expanded rapidly in 2020 and will continue to expand. To stay afloat, smart companies are moving their physical businesses online, and social media has become a popular channel for purchasing goods. Online businesses can increase their sales in 2021 by utilizing social media.
Simultaneously, mobile-based businesses are receiving increased focus and attention. Mobile payment options and solutions are becoming increasingly important for businesses as a result of this growth. Companies that adapt to this trend will find it easier to thrive online.
Automation
Automation is another top business trend that will dominate in 2021. The demand for automation is greater than ever. Businesses will need to assess their current processes and develop strategies to automate as much as possible by 2021 in order to speed up processes and reach out to more customers.
White-collar automation could become a trend in 2021 as service industries look into how aspects of white-collar jobs, such as medicine or law, can be automated.
With a faster network comes better communication
Despite the pandemic, 2020 saw a lot of digital innovations, including 5G networks. Automated and online processes will be easier in 2021, thanks to these faster, smarter communication networks. Better bandwidth and download speeds will improve online interactions, allowing businesses to communicate and interact with their customers more effectively.
Borderless payment options
The combination of work-from-home, a digitally enabled mindset, and the need to cater to a global market have all driven up interest in payment options that aren’t restricted by borders anymore. Platforms like Salt provide businesses with a one-stop portal to manage multi-currency accounts, payments, collections, and expenses worldwide, whilst being superior to conventional international wire transfers.
Collaborations with influencers and brand ambassadors
Social networks have progressed from keeping in touch with friends to a platform where almost anything can be marketed and sold. Influencers nowadays use social media to create and share interesting content. They are not necessarily celebrities, but they have the ability to attract followers and influence what their followers purchase. Businesses should consider collaborating with influencers in order to market their products and services to new and larger audiences in 2021.
Conclusion
Investing in future trends sooner ensures that your company will benefit from them later. These trends can help businesses to run smoothly in the coming years and provide consumers with a positive experience.
