Setting Goals in 2023

It may sound like a cliche to set new year resolutions, but studies (scientific and anecdotal) show that setting clear goals and targets in your personal and professional life can help you achieve your aims quicker and more consistently.

When it comes to running a project, campaign or business, setting goals, KPIs and making a plan it’s just par for the course. Having a vision or image of what you want to achieve allows you to stay focused, to measure distance travelled and to recognise achievement. It’s how runners win marathons, people climb mountains and it can help you realise your goals in 2023.

So how do you get yours in place? There is a plethora of information online about personal goals, but the first is to ask yourself - what do I want to achieve? This could be an ambitious goal which fundamentally changes your way of life. It could be a series of ‘smaller goals’. Try being really clear on what you want to achieve.

Once you’re clear on your goals, it’s time to think about a) why that goal is important to you (that will help you know that it’s the right goal and what incentivises you to reach this) and b) how you will get there. Use the same SMART approach as you would in your business dealings.

It’s worthwhile creating a structure for your commitment. Some people like to use a vision board, or you may prefer a notebook or diary, it doesn’t really matter what the format is, committing your thoughts to paper will make it feel concrete. Ask yourself: • What is my goal(s)? • What is the impact of achieving this goal (feelings, behaviours, lifestyle)? • What is the impact of me not achieving this goal? • What is stopping me from achieving this goal? • What do I need to do to achieve this goal ? • What is the first thing I need to do? • How will I know I’ve reached my goal? Create a plan with a series of measurable goals, don’t try to achieve transformation overnight. Remember, ‘progress not perfection’ and you will soon have your goal in reach.

How employers can use benefits to improve employee retention

With news articles regularly indicating that good candidates are hard to come by, many organisations will be looking to do all they can to ensure they keep a close eye on staff turnover.

Losing experienced members of staff, particularly to a competitor, can significantly impact organisations and it can take time for a new member of staff to settle in and undergo the necessary training.

Employees’ priorities are likely to have quickly shifted over the last few years from focusing on health, to flexible and hybrid working and possibly now to the cost of living and family finances.

Rather than focusing purely on staff salaries, employers can look at a range of benefits to help retain staff. A comprehensive benefits package can improve morale for existing staff and help with your reputation when it comes to recruiting talent.

Flexible working can be a popular benefit (with UK employees able to request flexible working from their first day of employment under new government plans). Training, coaching and mentoring can be beneficial to a range of employees from those starting out in their careers to those seeking promotion. Gym memberships can assist with finances whilst improving the health and wellbeing of your workforce and access to GP appointments and employee assistances programmes will always be popular. However, don’t overlook the more informal benefits you are able to offer such as discounts schemes with local retailers or on-site showering and cycle storage facilities. Emma Starmer Senior Employment Law and HR Advisor emma.starmer@la-law.com 01202 786276