6 Priorities For Business Leaders In 2022

2022 is shaping up to be another tough year for companies around the UK. From supply chain disruption to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are still facing a number of issues. This makes it easy for business owners and leaders to get hung up on the daily duties that come with running a business.

As company leaders begin to look beyond the pandemic, it’s important to take some time away from the day-to-day and envision the future of your company. January is the ideal time to stop and reflect on the key themes for your business over the course of the next year.

From redefining leadership to empowering your staff, here are 6 priorities you’ll need to tackle this year.

6 major takeaways for leadership and business success in 2022

As people continue to evaluate their priorities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, working environment, flexibility, and company culture have come to the fore. And to get the best from your staff this year, you need to tackle the issues that affect your employees most.

To retain employees and grow your business in 2022, you’ll need to manage and build relationships with your staff better than ever. To help you tackle this task head on, here are some of the major themes your business should prioritise this year.

1. The reality of flexible working

Despite what’s said in the papers, many businesses have found great success in offering flexible or hybrid working arrangements to their staff. This has been top of the agenda for many companies over the last couple of years, and as employees seek to take control of their work/life balance, it shows no signs of slowing down.

While staff want more flexible working, businesses want to boost productivity and growth. The only way to overcome this disconnect and find a solution that works for everyone is communication. An open, honest conversation about the needs of your business and your staff can help you find compromises that work for everyone.

2. Jettison the micromanagement

Thanks to the uncertainty caused by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, the urge for business leaders to protect their companies has never been stronger. As a result, it’s easy to fall into old micromanagement patterns.

But this year it’s important to resist the urge to micromanage. By stepping back from the everyday running of your business, you can take the time to reflect on the vision for your company. You’ll also give your staff an opportunity to rise to the occasion, showcasing their leadership skills while you make plans to grow and nurture your business.

3. Good leaders need to be vulnerable

Strong leadership isn’t just about commanding the troops. In fact, in reality, good leadership is as much about vulnerability as it is about strength.

Good leaders don’t mind admitting they don’t have all the answers. They should feel comfortable letting their guard down to discuss sensitive issues, from flexible working hours to innovative business ideas. To show strong leadership in 2022, listen to your staff with compassion, empathy, and openness.

4. It takes more than money to boost staff retention

Wages used to be the main means of negotiation when it came to hiring and retaining staff. With nearly all companies working to the same model, staff could easily be influenced by the prospect of higher pay.

But employee expectations have changed, favouring benefits like generous annual leave packages, flexible working, and wellbeing support plans. To improve both recruitment and retention statistics in your business, leaders need to turn their attention to company culture and staff wellbeing.

By creating supportive, high-achieving teams, you can ensure your employees enjoy their jobs, and are proud to work for your company.

5. Empower your staff to thrive in difficult times

The economy is still recovering from the events of the last few years — and it’s likely that UK businesses are still facing tricky times ahead. To thrive under these conditions, it’s important for business leaders to adjust their approach to potential upheaval.

In the face of economic recession or slowdown, it’s tempting to hunker down and brace yourself for the hit. But with a little out-of-the-box thinking, you can use this as an opportunity to embrace new ideas and encourage entrepreneurship from your team. Employees thrive when they’re empowered to be creative — and their ideas could bring growth and sustainability to your business.

6. Embracing the potential of external ideas

Great ideas can come from nowhere — or they can come from the staff sitting outside your office right now. With the right motivation, your staff can be inspired to come with fantastic ideas to keep your business moving forward.

At Speakers Corner, we can find the right inspirational speaker to motivate your staff in 2022. From inspirational storytellers to sector experts, we’ll match your business to the perfect keynote speaker, who can bring their own ideas to the table, too. From hiring a speaker to sharing your own business vision, 2022 is the year to inspire your team to communicate their ideas with you.

To do this, you’ll need to cultivate a culture of acceptance and openness, so your team feels supported to come forward with suggestions and ideas for improvement.

A new business goal for 2022

Companies are accommodating home working and hybrid working now more than ever — which is fantastic for staff wellbeing. But rather than resisting pressure to turn to remote-only working practices, businesses should aim to make their employees want to come to work.

To encourage staff to return to the office, it’s time to create a company culture they’ll love — and miss when they’re not there. (Our top tip: kick off the year with a motivational meeting.)

By investing in building stronger relationships with your employees, you’ll see better staff retention, higher productivity, and happier employees. This year, make it a priority to work alongside your staff to create a work environment that cultivates success.

Contact us on +44 (0) 20 7607 7070 or drop us an email info@speakerscorner.co.uk to discuss your in-person or virtual event.