Explore Image 4’s latest blog posts, expert advice, news, and commentary. Learn more about the features of our innovative blog here.
COVID Killed the Traditional Workplace. What Should Companies Do Now?
This article presents the views of several faculty members of the Harvard Business School and provides some interesting glimpses into how we might move forward. The ongoing questions of “if”, “when” and “how” employees will go back into the physical office remain open. But they do answer a couple of questions quite definitively: NO, employees will not rush back into the office, and NO, virtual meetings will not go away any time soon. So how can business leaders create a new work world that will keep employees both happy and productive post-COVID? Read more.
Read the full article at: hbswk.hbs.edu
Business conventions are making a comeback after COVID layoff
Imagine: trade shows, business events and conferences attracted more than 1Billion visitors a year pre-Covid! While we may not get back to those levels any time soon (if ever), the trend is looking positive as people are eager to reconnect with clients, colleagues, vendors, and friends they’ve missed for the past two years. However, organizers now know that holding some aspects of the event virtually is not only possible, but also prudent, as health concerns remain and some countries are still (or again) in lockdown. But, as one contributor put it, “The actual art of human interaction has to happen in person.” Read on for how event organizers are adapting to the post-Covid normal as in-person visitors return in increasing numbers.
Read the full article at: www.usatoday.com
Five Key Emerging Retail Trends to Watch in 2022 and Beyond
Everyone wants to know what happens next and while no-one has all the answers, it can be helpful to turn to industry experts to help chart the course. While some of these ideas are not new, they are worth revisiting, as retailers around the country are poised to come back stronger than ever in 2022. The importance of valuing the employee became a central issue during the pandemic and will continue to be a focus. Addressing the issue of climate change through sustainability efforts is another area where retailers will have to step up. From supply chain improvements, to omni-channel, to the ongoing importance of experiential retail, here are some trends to watch for in the year ahead.
Read the full article at: retail-insider.com
Digital Banking’s COVID Boom Drives Branch Transformation
As our world slowly begins to open up, bank and credit union branches will have a new role to fill: offering vibrant, safe spaces that encourage and support the community. Many people have endured financial or economic hardship as a result of the pandemic and will look to their financial institutions for the support they need to get back on their feet. While digital offerings fulfill the need for convenience, the branch is an opportunity to provide the reassurance of personal contact and face-to-face consultations. This focus on community-oriented support and services is the new lens through which institutions will begin to look at their underlying purpose. If the branch is the “face of the institution” as they say, it might be time for a facelift! Read on to learn about the new role of the branch and for some great examples of Lifestyle Banking from around the world.
Read the full article at: thefinancialbrand.com
How Chicago Lost Dominance Over the Convention Industry | Chicago Contrarian
As companies return to face-to-face sales development, Trade Show marketing is part of the mix. However, the cost increases throughout the support industries are threatening the industry as a whole, and skewing corporate ROI metrics for shows. This article reveals some of the “behind the scenes” costs and issues Trade Show Marketers have faced and will need to address in 2022.
Read the full article at: www.chicagocontrarian.com
Don’t Let Go Of Your Workplace Culture Enhancements As The Pandemic Fades Away
Many of our clients made physical and operational changes to their workplace to accommodate health/wellness of staff. As we return to work, those changes and cultural modifications will be a critical asset in attracting, retaining and engaging your team.
Read the full article at: www.forbes.com
‘$1 billion is not enough’: Why credit union M&A is poised to accelerate | Credit Union Journal
The industry’s consolidation rate has held steady at about 3.5% a year for the past 40 years, but institutions under $1 billion “don’t want to be the one big credit union that doesn’t get called up to do a merger" because now they’re competing against an $8 billion-asset credit union. Image 4 delivers strategic Brand support from rebrand to rollout, accelerating in-market acceptance through the Branch channel.
Read the full article at: www.americanbanker.com
NRF: Pandemic Uncertainty Has Given Way to ‘Great Recovery’
According to the National Retail Federation, retailers can look forward to a rebounding second half of 2021, and continued strength through 2022. Image 4 sees targeted retail – Pop-up shops, shop-in-shops and event-based shops – as a revenue driver and Brand solidifier.
Read the full article at: retailleader.com
