The 50 Latest Business Statistics That Are Shaping Strategy This Year

Following business trends, be it in the technology or finance sector plays a huge part in being able to strategise for the future.

Read on to see what industry experts have noticed and what they predict is still to come for businesses globally.

Megon Venter

B2B SaaS Content Writer

Megon is a B2B SaaS Content Writer with 7 years of experience in content strategy and execution. Her expertise lies in the creation of document management tutorials and product comparisons.

Productivity in Business

Are you wondering how your employees are managing their workflows? Some of the results of your overall productivity are within your control.

1. Employees Spend 50% of Their Time on Tasks that Could Be Automated

   • Source: McKinsey Report

   • Automation can help businesses significantly improve time management by reducing time spent on repetitive tasks.
     
     

2. 65% of Workers Say Poor Time Management is Their Biggest Challenge

   • Source: CareerBuilder Survey

   • Effective time management is a major pain point for many employees, affecting their productivity and job satisfaction.
     
     

3. Companies with Time Management Training See 20-30% Improvement in Employee Productivity

   • Source: American Management Association

   • Training employees on how to manage their time can yield significant improvements in overall efficiency.
     
     

4. 80% of People Say They Are More Productive When They Plan Their Day

   • Source: DeskTime Productivity Tool

   • Planning ahead and organizing tasks can increase focus and reduce distractions.
     
     

5. Employees Waste 5 Hours a Week on Unnecessary Meetings

   • Source: Doodle’s State of Meetings Report

   • Time management issues can often arise from poorly organized meetings, impacting productivity.
     
     

6. 30% of Workers Report Spending More Than Half of Their Workday on Email

   • Source: McKinsey & Company

   • Time management issues often stem from excessive communication and task switching, particularly through email.
     
     

7. Time Management Training Can Boost Project Completion Rates by 30%

   • Source: Harvard Business Review

   • Effective time management directly influences how well projects are planned and executed.
     
     

8. One Hour of Time Management Can Save Up to 8 Hours of Work

   • Source: Time Management Experts

   • Planning and prioritizing tasks can significantly reduce time spent on unnecessary or non-productive activities.
     
     

9. Employees Who Take Breaks Are 40% More Productive

   • Source: DeskTime Study

   • Time management isn’t just about working harder; it's also about balancing work with necessary rest to avoid burnout.
     
     

10. 70% of Managers Believe Time Management is Critical to Success, But Only 30% Are Effectively Trained

    • Source: Gallup Survey

    • While managers recognize the importance of time management, many are not equipped with the right skills or training to implement it effectively.

Technology for Productivity

There is no longer a choice for companies about whether or not they use technology, but it is a choice to use it more effectively.

1. Businesses that Use Collaboration Software Experience a 25% Boost in Productivity

   • Source: McKinsey Report

   • Collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom can increase communication and reduce downtime.
     
     

2. Companies that Adopt Cloud Computing Experience a 19.6% Increase in Revenue

   • Source: Forbes

   • Cloud solutions enhance flexibility and allow for faster decision-making, leading to increased productivity and revenue growth.
     
     

3. 68% of Employees Say Technology Helps Them Be More Productive

   • Source: TechJury

   • Technology tools such as project management software, automation, and cloud-based platforms allow employees to streamline tasks and enhance output.
     
     

4. Automation Can Save Businesses 30% of Time on Routine Tasks

   • Source: McKinsey & Company

   • Automation tools, such as robotic process automation (RPA), allow businesses to handle repetitive tasks faster, leaving employees with more time for strategic activities.
     
     

5. 90% of Workers Use Smartphones to Improve Work Productivity

   • Source: Statista

   • Smartphones play a significant role in enhancing productivity by enabling workers to access emails, apps, and resources remotely.
     
     

6. 70% of Employees Agree That Technology Improves Work-Life Balance

   • Source: Gallup

   • Productivity tools, including task management and communication apps, allow employees to work more efficiently, contributing to a better work-life balance.
     
     

7. 72% of CEOs Say Technology is Crucial for Their Organization’s Future Growth

   • Source: PwC Global CEO Survey

   • CEOs acknowledge that adopting the right technology is key to staying competitive and driving long-term growth.
     
     

8. Companies that Use Data Analytics Are 5x More Likely to Make Better Decisions Faster

   • Source: Deloitte Insights

   • Data-driven decision-making through technology helps organizations make faster and more informed choices that improve productivity.
     
     

9. 81% of Businesses Say Cloud Technology Helps Them Scale Their Operations Efficiently

   • Source: IBM

   • Cloud technology allows businesses to scale up quickly without the need for significant infrastructure investments, leading to increased productivity.
     
     

10. Employees Who Use AI-Powered Tools Are 30% More Likely to Meet Their Productivity Goals

    • Source: Accenture

    • AI and machine learning tools assist workers in automating decision-making processes, providing insights that can boost productivity and efficiency.

"[A] transformation towards a digital economy implies several risks such as cybersecurity, privacy, ethics, and digital inclusion. Companies must integrate these into their transformation plan to avoid a loss of trust."

Aiman Ezzat

CEO Capgemini

Source: World Economic Forum

Corporate Working Conditions

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been much more emphasis on working conditions for corporate employees, affecting employee retention.

1. 62% of Employees Believe Their Employers Should Focus More on Mental Health Initiatives

   • Source: Mind Share Partners

   • As employee mental health becomes a critical factor in workplace satisfaction, businesses are recognizing the need for better mental health support and resources.
     
     

2. Companies with a Positive Work Culture Are 12x More Likely to Have Strong Business Performance

   • Source: Gallup

   • Corporate culture plays a key role in driving performance, engagement, and overall business success.
     
     

3. 75% of Employees Consider Flexible Work Hours a Major Factor in Job Satisfaction

   • Source: Buffer’s State of Remote Work Report

   • Offering flexible work schedules or remote work options is crucial to attracting and retaining top talent.
     
     

4. 94% of Employees Say They Would Stay Longer at a Company That Invests in Their Career Development

   • Source: LinkedIn Learning

   • Investing in employee development through training and growth opportunities helps improve retention rates.
     
     

5. 32% of Employees Have Experienced Burnout Due to Poor Working Conditions

   • Source: Gallup

   • Stressful working conditions, such as long hours, lack of support, or unclear expectations, significantly impact employee well-being.
     
     

6. 80% of Employees Who Have Access to Proper Technology Report Higher Job Satisfaction

   • Source: PwC

   • Adequate tools and technology are essential for enabling productivity and reducing workplace frustration, leading to higher satisfaction.
     
     

7. 64% of Employees Say a Positive Work Environment Is More Important Than Salary

   • Source: Glassdoor

   • While compensation is important, a supportive and positive work environment is a key factor in employee retention and satisfaction.
     
     

8. 47% of Employees Say Their Work-Life Balance Has Improved with Remote Work

   • Source: Gallup

   • Remote work options allow employees to better manage their time between personal and professional responsibilities, leading to improved satisfaction.
     
     

9. Companies with Better Work Environments Have 31% Lower Employee Turnover

   • Source: Gallup

   • Creating a positive and supportive work environment directly correlates with higher employee retention rates.
     
     

10. 45% of Employees Say They Would Work Harder if Their Efforts Were Recognized

    • Source: Gallup

    • Recognition and positive reinforcement in the workplace play a crucial role in motivating employees to put in their best effort.

Global Industry Changes

There have been major changes to global industries with the introduction of more technology in the workplace and in homes.

1. The Global E-Commerce Market is Expected to Reach $6.3 Trillion by 2024

   • Source: Statista

   • The rapid growth of e-commerce continues to disrupt traditional retail, with businesses investing heavily in online sales channels and digital marketing.
     
     

2. By 2025, 75% of Enterprises Will Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Drive Innovation

   • Source: Accenture

   • AI adoption is increasingly becoming a strategic priority for global businesses, helping to drive efficiency, innovation, and decision-making processes.
     
     

3. The Renewable Energy Market is Projected to Grow to $1.5 Trillion by 2025

   • Source: Markets and Markets

   • Global investment in renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydrogen, is accelerating as industries shift toward sustainability and carbon neutrality.
     
     

4. Over 50% of Manufacturing Jobs Will Be Automated by 2030

   • Source: McKinsey & Company

   • Automation technologies, such as robotics and AI, are expected to transform the manufacturing industry, increasing efficiency while displacing certain job functions.
     
     

5. Global Supply Chain Disruptions Could Cost the World Economy $4 Trillion Annually by 2026

   • Source: Accenture

   • Supply chain vulnerabilities, exacerbated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, are prompting businesses to rethink their global sourcing strategies.
     
     

6. The Global Fintech Market Will Grow to $324 Billion by 2026

   • Source: Allied Market Research

   • The fintech industry is expanding rapidly, driven by demand for digital payment solutions, blockchain technology, and online banking services.
     
     

7. 70% of Global CEOs Are Focused on Expanding Their Digital Capabilities

   • Source: PwC CEO Survey

   • Digital transformation remains a central focus for CEOs, with many investing in technologies to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and drive growth.
     
     

8. By 2024, 75% of Global Organizations Will Use Multi-Cloud Environments

   • Source: IDC

   • Companies are shifting towards multi-cloud strategies to improve scalability, flexibility, and data security, avoiding vendor lock-in and enhancing operational resilience.
     
     

9. The Global Health and Wellness Industry Is Expected to Reach $6 Trillion by 2025

   • Source: Global Wellness Institute

   • The rise of health-conscious consumers, especially post-pandemic, is driving growth in health and wellness products, services, and technologies across the globe.
     
     

10. Global Cybersecurity Spending Is Projected to Exceed $300 Billion by 2024

    • Source: Gartner

    • With increasing cyber threats, companies worldwide are significantly boosting investments in cybersecurity technologies and strategies to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust.

The Future of Business

What's happened and what lies ahead for both employees and businesses as we head into the next five years?

1. By 2025, 75% of Workplaces Will Use Hybrid Work Models

   • Source: Gartner

   • As businesses adapt to post-pandemic changes, hybrid work models (a mix of remote and in-office work) are expected to become the norm.
     
     

2. 82% of CEOs Say Digital Transformation Will Be a Top Priority in the Coming Years

   • Source: PwC

   • Companies are increasingly focusing on digital transformation to stay competitive, improve customer experience, and enhance operational efficiency.
     
     

3. The Global Cloud Computing Market Is Expected to Reach $1.7 Trillion by 2029

   • Source: Fortune Business Insights

   • Cloud computing continues to grow as businesses leverage it for scalability, cost-efficiency, and collaboration in a digital-first world.
     
     

4. 90% of Businesses Are Expected to Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2025

   • Source: Statista

   • AI and machine learning will become integral to business operations, enhancing automation, decision-making, and customer service.
     
     

5. 85 Million Jobs Could Be Displaced by Automation by 2030, But 97 Million New Jobs Will Be Created

   • Source: World Economic Forum

   • The rise of automation will eliminate some roles but create new opportunities in fields like AI, robotics, and technology management.
     
     

6. 84% of Businesses Will Implement Sustainability Initiatives in the Next 5 Years

   • Source: McKinsey & Company

   • As environmental concerns rise, sustainability is becoming a major focus for businesses looking to attract consumers and investors who prioritize eco-friendly practices.
     
     

7. 60% of Global GDP Will Be Digital by 2026

   • Source: Digital McKinsey

   • The global economy is rapidly shifting toward digital processes and services, transforming industries and business models.
     
     

8. 63% of Businesses Plan to Invest in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics by 2025

   • Source: Deloitte

   • Investing in AI, ML, and data analytics is crucial for businesses seeking to leverage big data for smarter decision-making and more personalized customer experiences.
     
     

9. 80% of B2B Sales Interactions Will Take Place in Digital Channels by 2025

   • Source: McKinsey & Company

   • Digital channels are expected to become the primary medium for B2B sales, reducing reliance on traditional face-to-face interactions.
     
     

10. By 2030, 1 in 5 Workers Will Be Over the Age of 65

    • Source: United Nations

    • The aging population will reshape the workforce, requiring businesses to adapt to an older demographic with flexible working conditions, retraining programs, and inclusive policies.

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