It’s tempting to join those who say ‘good riddance to a tough year’ but over-simplification obscures some important things that happened to all of us in business in 2022.
For individuals who are highly skilled and in demand, there were more opportunities than ever before and as search specialists we have seen the value that organisations place on people who can deliver clear and measurable impact. Sometimes it may not feel like it, but your net value is now higher than it was in January.
For businesses, the rate of change continues to accelerate and the organisations that are willing and able to embrace it are streaking ahead, attracting the brightest and best people to deliver incredible results. We have seen transformation in the last 12 months that would have been unthinkable five years ago.
In the retail sector, few businesses have seen return on sales numbers at this level anytime in their careers and bumper profits are the norm, driven largely by factors beyond their control, but the best organisations never miss an opportunity when it is presented on a plate.
Of course, this is just a selective snapshot set against the backdrop of a war in Europe, global inflation, eye-watering energy prices, and the widening skills gap to name just a few of the challenges we all face.
But let’s take just a moment to appreciate the successes, not least of which is the growing impact of diversity and inclusion activities across the business landscape and the historic charter published this year by the Automotive Council and the SMMT.
This year has not been easy. We have all worked hard, often just to stand still, and in 2023 it is unlikely to get any easier. Our takeaway is that we have come through a challenging year, tired certainly, but proud to have survived and delivered some remarkable results.
This year our Christmas card at Ennis & Co features a piece of art that we commissioned to reflect the extraordinary events of 2022 and I invite you to take a moment to look at the images and remember the year gone by.
On behalf of the team, we wish you a restful break and look forward to seeing and working with you in the New Year.
