Here are some of the top Business Trends to watch in 2019:

 

Marketing will continue to become more personalised

Marketing is becoming increasingly personal, and this trend will keep going as we move into the new year. No longer will stock images, generic campaigns or impersonal calls to action convince consumers. In order to appeal to increasingly sophisticated customers, you’ll have to provide high-value, targeted and personalised content.

 

Technology will not replace the human touch

Technology is always improving, but AI (artificial intelligence) and predictive analytics will not replace the human when it comes to delivering the customer experience. While there are definitely some great opportunities ahead for AI, it will not be a true game-changer, at least in the next year. AI can really be thought of as ‘augmented intelligence,’ because it can augment the human, giving

people better information, greater insight and can help businesses to become more efficient.

 

Flexible working is set to become the norm

Businesses are changing the way they use space to drive productivity. More firms are embracing the open-plan office. The behaviour of employees will also change as they adapt to the new environment. New tech tools will be used, and more employees will choose to work flexibly and away from the office.

 

Data privacy regulations

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) established a global standard, impacting all firms from start-ups to established international businesses. Acceptance for GDPR will be driven by a likely continued increase in cyber-crimes and data breaches in 2019. The new world of cybersecurity threats will most likely encourage other regions to consider the introduction of data protection regulations similar to GDPR.

 

The war for talent will continue

Hard-to-find talent and hard-to-fill jobs are constants in the new world of work. HR professionals will focus on building a fit-for-the-future workforce with approaches from three fronts: creatively sourcing talent wherever they can find it, engaging and developing the talent they have on hand, and building a future pipeline of talent.