Small Business Trends | 2020 and 2021 has been record years for global change thanks to COVID-19. Small businesses all over the world have turned labor processes upside down with remote work, optimized digital presence, and process reengineering. And even on the brink of 2021, we are still learning to adapt and cope with the change. As this change unfolds, we are keeping our eyes on small business trends for 2021.

Small Business Trends – What has Changed and the Impact of Changes

Asking “what’s changed?” sounds like a rhetorical question at this point because the list of things that didn’t change is unremarkable. Small businesses have made more adjustments to their operations in 2020 than in the last decade. And these changes have caused a ripple effect on other things. Believe it or not, there is plenty of good that has come out of the pandemic.

Many startups in the line of Ecommerce, recreation, delivery, food, and health care grew exponentially, and employers finally embraced unpopular practices like remote work. To sum-up, all forward-thinkers seized the opportunities the pandemic presented and set these small business trends we’re seeing.

So, without further ado, here are the top small business trends for 2021 you need to know:

1. Workplace

According to Business2community, 7 million workers in the US were already working from home before COVID. And here are some interesting stats from during the pandemic:

• 55% of businesses worldwide offer some capacity for remote work
• 77% of employees report being more productive
• 37% of remote workers say that taking breaks regularly is the best way to boost productivity
• 30% of telecommuters saved upward of $5,000 a year before the pandemic
• 18% of the workforce work remotely on a full-time basis
• 99% of remote workers want to continue working remotely in the future
• 90% of remote workers would recommend working remotely to a friend

As many employees are working remotely, small businesses are realizing the need for specific mobile and digital capabilities such as network security, backup solutions, and remote desk services. Businesses specializing in IT solutions have a great opportunity here, as we can see in 2020, and undoubtedly, this trend will continue in 2021.

2. Education

During COVID, parents are choosing alternative learning models for their children instead of traditional schooling systems. Not only are people disregarding public education, but we also see several new options emerge. And these changes are mostly as a result of fear of contracting and spreading the virus, as well as to ensure that students continue learning even if their institutions close again.

These new options are a product of educational technology and include virtual learning and homeschooling. And considering their growth in the modern business world, it’s doubtful they will go away. So learning institutions specializing in ways to foster education outside the traditional school setting are among the most promising small business trends for 2021.

3. Healthcare

Thanks to the pandemic, people are not only more health-conscious but also more aware of healthcare options available near them than they had been before COVID. People are more mindful regarding health insurance benefits and costs for various medical issues. More importantly, many employers have begun to offer employees health insurance benefits to ensure safety and provide financial assistance.

It’s no news anymore that US hospitals are packed with COVID cases. Therefore, it’s essential to provide alternatives to hospitals for people to get routine care. And that’ where innovative small businesses have come in to offer certified telehealth services.

Moreover, businesses specializing in cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting buildings are rapidly growing and in high-demand in large buildings such as schools, offices, restaurants, and malls.

4. Digital Surge

COVID-19 has led to an inevitable surge in digital technology use due to social distancing norms and nationwide lockdowns. People and organizations worldwide are adjusting to the new ways of work and life. During the lockdown, we saw many brick and mortar stores close their doors for the time being. As a consequence, consumers have turned to online shopping to purchase goods and services.

And due to this digital surge, many startups and small businesses are no longer concerned with maintaining a physical presence. As a result, 2021 will see more digital startups than ever before.

5. Unemployment

While some people have the blessing of working remotely, there are many people at home not working at all due to unemployment. And this trend isn’t surprising, considering how many businesses went bankrupt or operating in a lower capacity during COVID. In September 2020, the unemployment rate was nearly 8%, which is double what it had been in the last two years.

However, while many industrial sectors are struggling, small recruiting companies are targeting sectors that are thriving during the pandemic, such as online retail, delivery, healthcare, and food. They are recognizing small business trends showing the need for technical workers available and ready to work. More importantly, they are getting innovative in reaching workers to fill their candidate pool.

And unlike before, employers are turning to social media networks to look for workers for different levels of operations. This approach is unorthodox but fits perfectly because with more people unemployed, candidates will be spending more time on these networks due to more free time on their hands.

The Bottom Line

To say that 2020 and 2021 was the years for big change is an understatement. And with these changes, small business trends are showing business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs great possibilities and potential in different sectors.

Whether it’s providing IT solutions or cleaning services to other businesses like schools, hospitals, or malls, small businesses need to keep an eye on emerging trends to pivot and adapt to the changes that come with them.

And if you need more information on the latest business technology news and global practices, visit us today at www.percento.us/expert-services