Small businesses have faced unprecedented challenges over the last few years. Many are hoping for a calmer 2023, but a possible recession, record high inflation and labor shortages may make that unlikely. Being aware of the small business trends for 2023 can help organizations successfully meet their challenges and find opportunities for growth.
Here are the most significant small business trends for 2023:
- Recession preparation — Due to limited resources, small businesses often face unique challenges during a recession and must make difficult decisions to stay afloat. Proper planning and implementing preventive strategies can help small businesses minimize the financial hardships of a recession. This often starts with evaluating cash flow, managing controllable risks and remaining flexible.
- Emphasis on workplace culture — Workers are the backbone of any small business, and replacing them can be time-consuming and expensive. Prioritizing workplace culture can improve employee retention, which can help small businesses save money since the costs of recruiting and training new employees are extremely high. A strong workplace culture is built around positive values. Employers can build a strong culture by strengthening employee engagement, improving communication and encouraging employee feedback.
- Reliance on outsourcing and automation — Inflation is driving up costs, forcing organizations of all sizes to turn to cost-saving measures. Outsourcing nonessential functions and investing in automation are effective ways small businesses are addressing their rising costs. By outsourcing or automating functions—such as recordkeeping, accounting and marketing—small businesses can reduce their labor costs and be more productive.
- Workplace flexibility — Flexible work arrangements can be powerful retention tools, as they can lead to more productive and happier workers. Remote and hybrid work can also help employers gain access to a larger talent pool and save on overhead costs. In 2023, some organizations are implementing flexible start and end times, four-day workweeks and unlimited paid time off to give employees more flexibility.
- Cybersecurity as a priority — Small businesses tend to be more vulnerable to cyberattacks than larger organizations due to a lack of proper systems and protocols and fewer resources. Failing to implement cybersecurity measures puts small businesses at risk of attacks and demands for ransomware fees. Dealing with the aftermath of cyberattacks or paying ransomware fees is often more expensive than investing in effective security measures.
