There are some business trends that everyone seems to support, such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the widespread acceptance of cryptocurrency. But not all make sense – at least not shortly. Many trends seem quite smart, but we might want to consider some opposing viewpoints as well. Let’s take a quick look at all the trends.
Humans vs Intelligent Robots
If we look to 2025 and beyond, we will see a massive erosion of jobs (and careers). It will start as partnerships – “hybrid artificial intelligence” – and end in total layoffs. Governments will be forced to compensate for the losses caused by companies seeking to save or make money on robotics and related technologies. Sure, new jobs will be created, but the skills needed to get them will not be available to displaced people. They are also more efficient. Therefore, this “vs” in many areas will disappear over time.
Organizational Structures
Remote work makes traditional organizational structures obsolete, but what should the new ones look like? Everyone condemns hierarchical structures, but it’s better to say: “wait, not so fast”. Hierarchies provide task-based management with clear accountability and responsibility – something that flatter structures cannot easily provide, especially when everyone is somewhere far away.
Working from home has been beneficial for many consumers, who have started to have more free time. Mobile applications and convenient programs, which can be found on thepirateproxy can streamline the workflow. But “remote” has led to employees feeling disconnected from some of the social aspects of working in the office. Businesses that can bridge this gap can create a more conducive work environment.
- Virtual coffee machines. Powell Software’s Microsoft Teams program supports a workplace culture from home.
- Platforms for virtual offices. Remo combines virtual teams with the benefits of a physical workspace.
- Virtual corporate retreats. Moniker offers remote team-building events.
- Remote worker communities. Chipotle provides remote workers with access to courses on the Udemy platform for business.
DTC Sales of Delicacies
Consumers interested in specialty food categories receive them through direct channels. Recently, higher-income consumer groups, particularly boomers and Generation X, have shown increased interest in specialty food categories. Ordering these products through DTC channels allows access to them without breaking the rules of social distancing.
While there are many perceived benefits to this approach, including environmental friendliness and convenience, getting specialty products directly from the manufacturer creates an additional sense of authenticity. It is particularly attractive to wealthy consumers who are willing to pay more for higher-end products.
- DTC farms. Grazing Days Farms sells meat directly from its farm to customers.
- DTC beer platforms. Revel Store from Molson Coors in the UK.
- DTC wines on the plane. Flagship Cellars sends wines by mail to American Airlines’ subscribers.
- Ecologically clean seafood. De la Mer offers a range of seafood grown in natural conditions and caught in an environmentally friendly way.
- Expansion of kombucha distribution. The manufacturer of alcoholic beverages based on kombucha JuneShine has launched delivery throughout the United States for Kombucha Day.
Security Against Uncertain Trends
Today, business trends are developing that enable the use of “safe” business technologies. Disruptive trends are harder to identify and are never quite right – and that’s okay. The macro digital transition will be characterized by widespread automation, which is the main conclusion of experts and other inspired forecasters.
All of the above trends in business technology will happen to some extent, but many of them will materialize more slowly than pundits promise. Some may never happen at all. Companies should prepare for the above macro trends. “Digital” will be broad and deep.
