EDITORIAL TRENDS
S
ocietal and behavioural trends can significantly
Insourcing
impact the operations – and ultimately the success –
Businesses that have traditionally outsourced some non-core
of any business. Small and medium businesses are
activities – often marketing, HR, and accounting services – should
especially vulnerable if they are caught unawares.
consider bringing the activities in-house with the assistance of AI. However, businesses that offer services that can now be offered to some extent by AI tools must urgently reassess their offerings in the face of the resulting insourcing trend. It is now more critical than ever for these businesses to articulate their
Business owners and leaders should avoid being seduced by opportunity into making panicked moves that might compromise long-term objectives in pursuit of short-term gains.
unique value proposition in a way that assists clients in making the outsourcing vs insourcing decision.
Knee-jerk decisions In a world driven by viral sensations, knee-jerk reactions to capitalise on the latest trends can be tempting. It is however crucial to align such decisions with the overarching purpose of the business. Business owners and leaders should avoid being seduced by opportunity into making panicked moves that might compromise long-term objectives in pursuit of short-term gains.
Awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity A notable trend gaining momentum is the increasing
Social shaming
awareness, acceptance, and accommodations for
As members of the public shine their social media spotlight
neurodiversity in the workplace.
on practices and products that were once accepted without
In 2024, business owners and leaders should challenge
question, businesses increasingly run the risk of coming under
their perceptions of neurodiversity. The focus should shift
viral fire for any negative impact caused by their raw materials,
to the potential strengths of neurodiverse employees like
manufacturing processes, working conditions, and marketing
enhanced pattern recognition, unusually quick creativity,
tactics.
blunt honesty, and other elements that are crucial to working innovatively and resourcefully. Fostering an inclusive environment that both acknowledges
With a diverse workforce and client base spanning multiple generations, it's imperative for business owners and leaders to not ban or ignore social media platforms. While the feedback
neurodiversity and adapts working conditions to the strengths
shared online might not be fully accurate, it often contains
and needs of neurodiverse individuals can become a key
elements that allude to the root cause of issues that are also on
differentiating factor for a business.
the mind of a wider client base.
Distracted employees While employers strive for increased employee engagement
Remain attuned to demographic shifts and evolving behaviours
and loyalty, the prevailing “cost of living crisis” is driving
Business owners and leaders should therefore remain attuned
employees to seek ways to generate additional income in
to any demographic shifts – and evolving behaviours – within
their spare time.
their workforce and customer base. These shifts should be met
These longer working hours often lead to exhaustion which can in turn show up as distraction, disengagement, and even burn-out in employees at their primary workplace. If businesses can’t afford to pay their employees more, adaptations to contracts and performance indicators could be considered. These adaptations could allow more transparent
with ongoing adaptation to product or service offerings and communication strategies accordingly. The business landscape in 2024 demands a holistic approach that integrates technological, societal, and behavioural considerations. By remaining aware of these trends and their potential
conversations – without fear of punishment – about the
impact, business owners can position themselves to navigate the
individual circumstances of each employee.
challenges and opportunities with more ease. ■
SA PROFILE www.saprofilemagazine.co.za
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