5 business-related goals for 2022

There’s never been a better time to set some new business-related goals. The beginning of a new year always feels like a logical time to try new things. Many of us have taken some time out over the festive period to rest and are feeling refreshed and ready to go.

After a challenging couple of years navigating the pandemic and trying to stay afloat, businesses across a variety of sectors are ready to start growing again. Whatever your aspirations might be, here are 5 business-related goals to get you started.

1. Take steps towards becoming net zero

From bush fires in Australia to flooding in the UK, it’s clear that climate change is having a detrimental impact on lives and livelihoods. To help curb the impact of global warming, countries around the world have pledged to achieve net zero by 2050. 

Every business needs to play its part. Not just to save the planet, but to remain relevant in the eyes of consumers and avoid any potential carbon penalties that may come into force. 

Why not make it your mission this year to become net zero? Net zero means making sure the carbon your business adds to the atmosphere is no more than the carbon it removes. 

Start your journey to net zero by carrying out a carbon assessment of your business. When you understand your carbon footprint, you’ll be in a better position to minimise it. Get to know your Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and find out how to reduce your carbon footprint. 

Explore the following areas:

• Renewable energy
• Circular economy
• Carbon offsetting 
• Sustainable materials
• Supply chain eco-credentials

How environmentally sustainable is your business?

2. Find a better office that works for your business

After nearly two years of remote working, some say that 2022 is going to be the year the office makes a comeback. But for most businesses, it won’t look the same as it did before. 

This year, make your employees proud by finding a better office that fulfils everyone’s needs. Choose a flexible workspace plan that allows you to downsize, scale up or leave at short notice. That way you’ll minimise the risk and avoid getting tied into something long-term. 

Fortunately, there are lots of offices out there, many of which support hybrid working. Choose from a range of environmentally friendly buildings, amenity-rich spaces, city centre coworking options and satellite offices that will help you attract and retain the best talent. 

New Inn Yard, Shoreditch

3. Enhance your cybersecurity

20% of SMEs reported being a victim of cybercrime in 2019, according to a survey by the Federation for Small Businesses (FSB). With so many of us transitioning to remote working since the survey took place, we wouldn’t be surprised if the figure was even higher now. 

Spend some time evaluating your cyber security. Could you be doing more to safeguard your organisation? Cyber attacks can be incredibly disruptive: as well as experiencing downtime, your business can lose a significant amount of money and customers’ data can be stolen, which in turn can damage your reputation. 

Don’t panic though. There are lots of things you can do to keep your business safe online. Here’s a handy infographic listing 10 tips from capalona.co.uk:

4. Update your business plan

A good business plan acts as a roadmap to success. It helps keep you organised and focused on your goals. It’s also a great place to start when you need a little guidance. 

Your business plan could prove useful if you’re seeking investment, business finance or a new partner this year because it articulates your business’ worth and ambitions. 

You should see your business plan as a living document. When was the last time you updated it? After the last couple of years, your business has probably changed a lot. You may have pivoted entirely in order to meet the changing needs of customers or clients. 

Now’s the perfect time to revisit your business plan and input your latest financial information, ambitions, competitor research and marketing initiatives. 

5. Beat the burnout

A 2021 survey revealed that 51% of small business owners are struggling with burnout, and have been since the pandemic began. The survey also revealed that over a third (35.8%) are working longer hours than they were before the pandemic.

It can be tempting to hit the ground running at full speed in January, but it’s important to put measures in place to avoid experiencing burnout by Q2. Not just for you but for your team too. Burnout isn’t good for our health and it’s not good for business either. 

Setting clear boundaries, taking breaks and asking for help when you need it are all great ways to avoid burnout. Model a healthy work-life balance to your employees by switching off email alerts outside of working hours and provide plenty of perks and incentives. 

Consider whether or not your company culture is conducive to burnout. Survey employees to find out what they perceive to be your company’s values and what they’d like to see change. Do they feel like your company respects their work-life balance, and why?

The right workspace can help you achieve all your business goals this year, from becoming more sustainable to helping your team achieve a sense of wellbeing. Use our online office search tool or contact the First Office Hub team to get started today.