Here’s what I know: businesses need to hit the ground running in 2023

Cost of living, skills shortages, staff wellbeing, diversity and inclusion…These are just a few issues you had to get to grips with in 2022.

And now we’re in a new year, you need to hit the ground running.

The cost of living crisis is affecting people all over the country. Your staff need your support, whether it’s helping them learn how to better manage their finances or through monetary rewards. And even if you can’t provide the help they need, you can direct them to organisations that can.

So, if you don’t already have one, lay this out in a financial wellbeing policy. This can help bring that much needed peace of mind to your staff if they know they have support from you.

And whilst financial wellbeing is an issue, so is employee wellbeing. Job seekers want greater flexibility in their working roles. More people are leaving their jobs because they want better. They want opportunities. A healthy-work life balance. A good salary isn’t the only thing that cuts it anymore.

And with the government’s recent changes to flexible working rights, it looks like this could be on the way to becoming a norm.

So, be open and be understanding. Help your staff work in a way that suits them and you. That way, they’re likely to be happier, better performers, and more willing to stay for the long haul.

Another way to attract and keep top talent is through equal opportunities. Even in 2022, a lack of diversity and inclusion in workplaces was still a big problem. Last year, in a survey by Wildgoose, 57% of employees said they had witnessed discrimination or a lack of inclusivity at work. This came down to factors like unequal pay, inaccessibility for staff with disabilities, and discriminatory behaviour.

Be the exception. Check your equality and diversity policies are up to date. Speak up. Offer training. You may need to take steps to make your workplace and recruitment processes more accessible. And you should remind staff of what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour.

Another year means another opportunity to grow. And to grow, we need to listen, be adaptable, and learn. So, hit the ground running. Make sure your policies and processes are up to date. Check in with your staff.

Does anything need to change? If it does, don’t stress. If you need ever need advice or document support, remember that expert help is just a phone call away.