Be Wary Of These Business Troubles

Julie Starr • April 21, 2022



When you have your own business you are responsible for anything that happens to go a bit awry. Being prepared for all eventualities will help you manage everything should the worst happen. Here are six common business troubles that you can face and how to work around them.

High Energy Costs 

If when you created your business budget you catered for the costs of energy then you may need to rejiggle this around a bit. It can end up costing an arm and a leg these days when it comes to energy, and the cost only seems to be rising. In order to deal with this then it may be time to start reminding your employees and other workers to shut down their PCs at the end of the day. You should also turn the lights off rather than leave them on, this wastes electricity. 

It may be worthwhile investing in some form of renewable energy such as wind power or solar power. These will help cut your energy bills by as much as half. It may seem like a huge payout initially but it will pay for itself in the end. You can put the money you save on energy towards other aspects of your business such as sustainability programs. 

Security Trouble 

It can be quite common for unruly people to target businesses. This is due to the sheer amount they can actually take from them. Not only physical items but files and data as well. Keeping security tight within your business will alleviate any problems that could arise. There are many options when it comes to your business’s security, these include CCTV, security personnel, and smart locks. 

Continued COVID Concerns 

It might seem like the COVID pandemic is behind us but this just isn’t true. There are a lot of people who are still concerned about the impact of the virus, including long-COVID. This is still impacting a few different business sectors and it’s something that you should keep in mind. As well as this, some companies are still recovering from the knocks to profit that occurred during the pandemic. 

 

Make sure that whoever you choose to look after your business is verified and has reviews from previous customers and clients. You can also ask around your friends, family, or other businesses for recommendations. You just want the best for your business which means choosing the best security team for the job. Of course one of the greatest concerns is definitely cyber. That’s why you should make sure that you have the right insurance in place.   Insurance brokers  will help ensure that you find the best option on the market for your company. 


In the meantime, you can also invest in security solutions like a centralized platform for managing secrets to protect your business against online threats. Imagine a secure vault, accessible only to authorized users, where you can store all your passwords, keys, and other sensitive information. This feature not only makes it easier to manage and access your data but also strengthens your overall security framework. With features like role-based access, control, and automated rotation of secrets, you can rest assured that your data is protected and you’re following the best security practices. So avoid stress and embrace the peace of mind that comes with a centralized secret management solution and improved cybersecurity.

 

Another point to consider is essentially what’s next. Experts are already warning that COVID could just be the beginning. This could be because of constant changes to the environment and that means companies must remain flexible, ready to change for any challenge. 

Running Businesses Remotely 

Many businesses these days operate from home. This is another after-effect of COVID. Businesses were forced to operate from home because it was deemed unsafe for people to work in close proximity. Now, a lot of business employees don’t see why they should return to the office. They want a better work/life balance which is completely understandable. However, letting employees work from home presents other issues including trouble with productivity levels. As such, you will need to make sure that you do take steps to keep people firing on all cylinders. 

Injuries In The Workplace 

 

This can be devastating for your business, especially if the injured worker makes a claim in against you. It is important to be diligent in workplace safety. For instance, if the floor is wet, place a sign stating so with instructions to mind the wet floor with proper signage. This way you are avoiding any injuries from happening. Of course, some injuries are unavoidable but they are not the ones that will get you in trouble. If a worker gets injured then this will lead to them being off work. That could also lead to compensation and the need to fund a structured settlement scheme that leads to managing future payments.   

 

Bad Reviews 

Finally, bad reviews are not helpful for any business. 80% of individuals will check out reviews of a place or business before they go there. If you spot yourself getting some negative reviews then take action straight away. You don’t want one or two bad experiences to tarnish your brand. If the review was left online or on social media, be engaging and responsive by replying in a timely fashion to the consumer. Be authentic and acknowledging by commenting with ways to resolve the matter to the customer’s satisfaction. This proves that you care about your customers’ opinions and want to improve their experience with you next time.  It also helps you learn and grow as a business. 

 

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
Share by: