BUSINESS CORNER
5 INTANGIBLE TRENDS
I N D U S T RY N E W S
DRIVING BUSINESS RECOVERY IN 2022
A S S O C I AT I O N I N S I D E R
Remember 2020, (the year that keeps on affecting future years). Well, it’s effects are clearly recognizable in some
the public and entrepreneurs on appropriate precautions and the ensuing destabilization of the small business sector. Many companies went under. Others were just starting to recover over a year and
essential leadership trends driving small
a half later. Generally, by most accounts, commerce
business strategy in 2022. But, at this
is now regaining its regular semblance of relative
SPOTLIGHT
point, we can view that as a good thing. Life goes on, and business goes on, and
INDEX
reliability. As a central part of the 2022 return to normal, new trends in strategic business planning are emerging.
a leaner, more aware, proven resilient
Being aware of those can help small business
economic subsector has emerged in Q1
owners stay in step with necessary changes to drive
2022. Below are some insights offered by small business development and growth experts on what entrepreneurs need to
success in the new environment of this relatively calmer year.
1. MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR WORKPLACE Focus on workplace mental health is an acute practical
do to capitalize on the best approaches to
need that has become increasingly highlighted due
sustainability and growth in 2022.
to the onset of the national health terror that swept
T
through businesses in 2020. Regardless of the size of your staff, stresses remain unusually high in the
his list is different from those we usually see
current aftermath of labor shortages, supply chain
offering concepts for investing in a small
bottlenecks, and new budget strictures, among other
business to make tangible improvements. These are
problems. With many more people now working
trends in more intangible changes.
part- or full-time from home, the blending of work and
FROM SURVIVING IN 2020 TO THRIVING IN 2022
personal life comes with its own complications.
As the Covid-19 pandemic seized the country in
The toll of coping with these difficulties is often a
the spring of 2020, it paralyzed much of the small
negative employee experience, leading to burnout,
business community. There was political mass
costly turnover, and productivity loss. Managers
confusion about the right thing to do in guiding
seeking to stay ahead of potential issues are continued on page 14
1 2 NORTH AMERIC AN S WE E P E R F EBR UA RY 2022
Vi si t Us
