Today’s markets are dynamic and ever-changing. The biggest game-changer that has come into the scene in the last 10 years has been technology, particularly mobile technology. The business world is much more competitive and is always adapting to take advantage of the latest trends. These are six ways the business world is changing.
Everything is remote
Mobile technology has made a seismic shift in the way companies function. As a result, a lot of work has become remote. This saves travel time and cost as meetings can now be held over thousands of miles away. Workers can also work remotely, logging into their computers in different time zones but nevertheless being able to work collaboratively. It is increasingly the case that a company employs workers from all over the world. This helps companies cut costs and also allows workers to be more productive by making their own schedules.
Outsourcing is now in
The biggest advantage of
outsourcing work to third-party companies or freelancers is that the company can really focus on its core functions. It saves cost and makes companies more efficient. They don’t need to focus on developing unnecessary marketing skills. If they
outsource SEO work or web development responsibilities to specialists, they will not only get better results, but they can also spend those resources on improving their main product offerings.
Compliance is more important than ever
As a business grows, so do its regulations. The financial crisis has become more regulated than ever. This means that compliance has become a bigger issue for companies. Companies are constantly hiring consultants to help them meet regulations and take advantage of the available opportunities such as rebates and savings schemes.
The work environment is more diverse
Companies are more likely to hire diverse employees as they
improve the company work culture. More women are joining the workforce and rising to the top, making companies better places to work in. Having equal representation in a company not only improves its image but also fosters a productive work environment with culture and knowledge transfers.
Big data paints a bigger picture
The availability of big data, unlimited space to store it on the cloud, and machine learning or AI technology available to analyze this data makes businesses more competitive than ever. Companies are using big data to predict consumer behavior, model far into the future, and make smarter business decisions.
Today’s workers want more out of work
It is no longer the case that workers just show up to a 9-to-5 job feeling like they are wasting away at their desks. They expect to be a part of the company and feel that their time is worthwhile. This can mean a better work-life balance, a more fun working environment, or even owning stocks in the company. Most importantly, they want to feel like they are more than just cogs in a machine. They want to be assured that their opinions count.
Change is inevitable. But knowing which changes are occurring helps a company stay competitive. Knowing also keeps its workers satisfied. Instead of fighting change, C-level executives should embrace it.