To say 2020 didn’t go as planned is an understatement. This year has left employers and entrepreneurs alike looking to 2021 with hope for economic growth and stability for their businesses. Below is a list of what business and workplace trends to look for in the coming year.

Utilizing Social Media

A strong social media presence along with advertising is expected to continue its rise. According to research, 77% of small businesses in the US are using social media to effectively promote their products and services to an ever-growing audience. In addition to promotion, social media is also forecasted to become a primary source of purchase in 2021.

Virtual Meetings and Interviews

Virtual communication went through the roof in 2020 and that trend will continue through 2021. With so many platforms to choose from, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting and Google Meetings, most professionals have found a way to keep in touch without meeting face to face. Virtual meetings have been proven to save time, money and allow for more people to attend without being a logistical nightmare. The same can be said for virtual and phone interviews, as they permit businesses to interview more candidates and even speed up the hiring process.

Small Businesses Bounce Back

Small businesses have had to adapt to survive what proved to be a brutal year for them. By pivoting to ecommerce, providing services virtually, adopting new revenue streams and cutting costs where needed, many small businesses were able to avoid shutting their doors. Consumers have taken note and support for small businesses has grown this year. This trend will likely continue in 2021 as customers prioritize shopping with small businesses to avoid seeing local establishments close.

Remote Work

While it can be difficult to predict anything accurately during a pandemic, one thing everyone can agree on is remote work will continue its upward trend. With the large savings businesses have experienced by shedding the traditional office lease, and its appeal to employees, remote work will continue to increase throughout the coming year. A rise in a hybrid of remote and in-office is also anticipated as teams find it necessary to come together for meetings and collaborative efforts.

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