The world of business is constantly changing as it adapts to new technologies, circumstances, and consumer demands. Businesses have to anticipate these changes to gain a competitive edge. This is especially true in times of instability.
To assist businesses in navigating the year ahead, these are our five top business trends for 2023. We explore what the year is likely to bring, and the ways that technology can help.
Economic uncertainty
2022 was a year of global turbulence, with serious economic consequences. Supply chains were disrupted in many critical sectors. Inflation rose in many parts of the world, including normally low-inflation economies like the United States and eurozone. Energy price rises have been especially sharp, causing difficulties to businesses and individuals and suppressing demand.
These factors are likely to continue into 2023, and many analysts are forecasting recessions in key markets. Businesses will have to pay close attention to their own sectors and markets, and adapt quickly to the new challenges and opportunities they face. Technology will play a key role here, helping organizations to communicate and work as efficiently as possible.
Improvements in internet connectivity
While economic disruptions may be bad news for many, there will also be technological advances that benefit millions. In 2023, internet connectivity will continue to improve in many parts of both the developing and developed world. This is thanks to the ongoing spread of 5G and wider availability of fiber broadband.
These will bring faster, more stable connections, which in turn will create further opportunities. Better connectivity can lead to real economic growth, which may help to counter some of the negative economic forecasts we are seeing. It also clears the path for our next point.
Digital transformation accelerated
The global market for cloud services has grown dramatically in the past decade, as the technology has become better known and more widely available. This trend is set to continue in 2023. This is partly related to our previous point.
In addition, cloud services are more flexible. Since they are accessed over the internet, they make remote and mobile working easier. In addition, cloud services are rapidly scalable, allowing you to add and remove users quickly as needed.
At Ericsson-LG Enterprise, we are proud to be pioneers of using cloud technology in business communication. iPECS Cloud, our hosted unified communications (UC) solution, is a great example. iPECS Cloud combines voice, video, conferencing, instant messaging, and more on a single hosted platform.
We make everyday communication more efficient, by putting all channels in one place. iPECS Cloud delivers this as a hosted solution, unlocking all the benefits of cloud. It offers instant scalability, as well as the flexibility to make remote working easy. We have discussed the challenges that 2023 may bring. iPECS Cloud gives businesses the agility to face them and thrive.
Multi-channel customer contact
Consumer expectations are always evolving. Customers want personalized service, quickly and on their own terms. Businesses have to adapt, to ensure customer loyalty.
This is why more and more businesses are offering multi-channel customer contact, beyond the traditional voice-only call center. While the phone call will always be valuable, some customers prefer to email. Some prefer instant messaging, or SMS.
Ericsson-LG Enterprise’s unified communications solutions, such as iPECS Cloud, offer all these channels of communication on a single, easy-to-use platform. This enables you to offer the great service your customers expect on their terms.
In addition, through iPECS Analytics, you can gain better understanding of your service to continue to refine it. iPECS Analytics offers customizable insights into your customers service KPIs, both in real time and as scheduled reports. These understandings allow you to combine quality with efficiency, benefitting your business and your customers alike.
The spread of hybrid work
The pandemic normalized remote work. More workers now expect the option of working from home. Meanwhile, managers now see that it can be just as productive as working in the office, if not more so.
Increasingly, businesses are converting to a hybrid work model, and we expect this to continue into 2023 and beyond. In embracing hybrid work, businesses can boost morale, as well as attracting better talent by recruiting from farther afield.
However, it requires the right communication technology to function. Every organization depends on great communication to succeed. When your team members are based in different location, this requires careful thought. Otherwise, workflow will stall and remote workers may start to feel isolated.
iPECS Cloud is the solution to make your hybrid workplace thrive. It is accessible anywhere with an internet connection, giving your remote workers full access to all channels of workplace communication. Using tools like video and instant messaging, file sharing and collaboration are easy, even across multiple locations. Mobile workers also benefit, thanks to the accompanying iPECS ONE mobile and web application.
Summary
2023 may be a challenging year in many sectors, but challenges bring opportunities. Thanks to technological advances, businesses can seize the future. Business communication technology provides the perfect example.
By harnessing UC and digital transformation, businesses can achieve their objectives as efficiently as possible – as well as embracing a more flexible future of remote collaboration.
If you would like to find out more about iPECS Cloud and iPECS ONE, speak to your nearest Ericsson-LG Enterprise Global Partner.
