Energy costs have been a hot topic of conversation recently, and it is due to remain on the agenda for 2024. Costs are projected to continue being high and as a result, businesses will continue to look for ways to make these overheads more affordable and cut costs where they can

Despite high energy costs, businesses are often left without a choice, with many appliances integral to operations and customer experience. This is why businesses must look at reducing energy consumption across the whole building to be as cost effective as possible. Businesses will continue to invest in areas such as appropriate lighting solutions to meet their needs. Embracing technology can control costs and energy usage in this category – from smart app control to LEDs that have better energy efficiency.

Increasing energy efficiency in appliances can be a simple solution to solve this issue. Replacing older technologies that may be energy intensive, outdated, and inefficient can be a first step. For example, a superior quality hand dryer, like the Dyson Airblade hand dryer, that reduces the time it takes to dry hands – longer dry times means more energy is consumed. Hot air hand dryers can take around 40 seconds to achieve a hygienic level of dryness, whilst a jet air dryer can only take around 10 seconds to achieve the same level[1].

Many businesses’ budgets are getting tighter. Finding ways to cut other operating costs goes hand in hand with being conscious of energy usage. Businesses are often confronted with a cost analysis, choosing between a solution that has a lower initial cost but one that is higher in the long-term, versus a solution that is more expensive upfront but will pay dividends. For many products currently on the market, there are opportunities to lease a machine, offering a flexible way to upgrade the technology with affordable payments and no upfront investment – spreading the cost over a period of time. Of course, this is not always a possibility and is dependent on current business expenses and capital available, however they should consider this balance.

A good example of this is the comparison between paper towels and hand dryers. Paper towels of course have a low initial cost; however, they require consistent replenishing, storage, and disposal, not to mention the unforeseen costs such as blockage removal. Meanwhile, a superior hand dryer is an investment but does not need constant replacing. In fact, some modern models are so energy efficient that the upfront cost can be recouped in energy savings compared to that of replacing paper towels[2]. Dyson’s savings calculator can help businesses of all sizes see how much they could save by switching from paper towels to Dyson Airblade™ technology. As a bonus, switching can also be a more sustainable alternative to keep washrooms hygienic at a time when 75% of people are concerned about the use of single-use consumables[3].

Another cost-cutting solution for businesses that we predict will continue to rise in 2024, is seeing suppliers provide multifunctional machines, such as heating/cooling systems fitted with an air purifier, or hand dryers with handwashing capabilities. Not only does this minimise the number of appliances or machines requiring investment, but it can also reduce energy usage, space used and carbon footprint as well as space. There has been a decline in preference of products just offering one answer to a problem and this is particularly true with air purifiers, with some on the market having the capability to not only purify, but to heat or cool a room at the same time, providing the opportunity for more innovative design and technological advancements. In 2024, we predict purifiers with heating/cooling technology will continue to grow in popularity alongside those with the capability for indoor air quality measurement.

Combining cutting costs and energy management will continue to be high on the business agenda into 2024, with these considerations being key in purchasing and usage decisions as they look for ways to do more with less.

With consumer demands on premium experiences set to continue in the new year, businesses should look into putting user experience first.

Consumers are increasingly more discerning and informed, with a wealth of information on a business or product in the palm of their hands. This, paired with the continued cost of living crisis, means that the average consumer carefully chooses at what establishments they spend their money. Factors such as sustainability, experience and atmosphere can all be deciding factors for consumers.

Expectations of public washrooms are ever higher, and a poor washroom experience can directly impact the likelihood of a customer returning to a venue and can even impact their overall view of a business[1]. A study found a close correlation between poor washroom reviews and overall star ratings at hospitality venues, with bad odour as one of the top reasons for a negative experience[4].

Meanwhile, a positive washroom experience would make over three quarters of Brits more likely to spend with a business[5]. In addition, having a good air filtration system and HEPA-graded machines, such as hand dryers, can signpost to consumers that they will be receiving a positive and hygienic washroom experience – and increasing the chances of them returning to the venue.

Previously a lesser-known part of the conversation surrounding air pollution, general awareness of indoor air quality has been increasing and is set to continue this upward trend in 2024.

Dyson’s Air Purity Pulse Check survey shows that nearly half of people polled think that indoor air quality is more important than that outdoors[7]. In addition, over half of those surveyed say that they are concerned about poor air quality impacting their health with the majority having become more concerned about this in the past three years. This topic is increasingly at the forefront of people’s minds, paired with increased reporting of it in the current news cycle.

As consumers become more concerned about the air they breathe, businesses need to ensure that they are making a concerted effort to improve it in the shared spaces they are providing and are creating not only a better working environment for all, but also improving productivity of those in the space[8].

Businesses can signpost to users that they are prioritising indoor air quality in many ways, such as by using an air purifier and sharing air quality data of the premises. Free air quality data is becoming more readily available, which businesses can tap into to educate themselves on the pollution levels in their surrounding area.  Imperial College London has created a free to use website, London Air, which shows a map forecasting the different outdoor pollution levels across London[9].

In addition, businesses can utilise digital air monitors to further explore the key triggers for poor indoor air quality such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or pollution events. Understanding these sources is a crucial first step in improving indoor air quality and potentially finding a solution to them.

Businesses are sure to have at least one source of VOCs in their establishment, therefore it is vital in 2024 that they are made aware of the top sources and find a way to mitigate its effects for the health of those within it.

Awareness around the origins of VOCs and sources will become more important in 2024 due to increased consumer understanding. This is the general term for gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes and are therefore invisible. Some are harmful to our health by themselves, whilst others can react with other gases and form other pollutants in the air, creating a cocktail of harmful particles potentially trapped in an indoor space. While not all VOCs are necessarily harmful, it is important that businesses are aware of the ones that are detrimental to health and their sources.

Potential sources can include construction materials such as paints, adhesives, and varnishes; common household items such as cleaning agents, air fresheners and perfumes; and office equipment, such as printers, photocopiers, and computers – it is clearly a wide-reaching issue.

This year, we have seen an increased awareness of these sources in the home with Dyson’s recent Air Purity Pulse Check report revealing 70% of people polled said they have taken steps such as investing in air purifiers to improve home air quality[10]. This is an encouraging first step which many are sure to follow over the next year as the momentum around recognising sources of harmful indoor pollutants improves.

Over the last year, we have seen major air pollution events such as the wildfires in North America. These made what is usually an invisible threat, visible and demonstrated the dangers of air pollution. This has contributed to an increased awareness on the topic, as guidance included installing air purifiers and avoiding going outside. There is a continued risk of pollution events, and businesses need to increase their understanding and awareness of this problem and have response plans in place to safeguard their indoor air quality.  

By investing in better indoor air quality all-year round, despite major pollution events, businesses take an ‘always on’ approach to protecting staff wellbeing and productivity.

With the cost-of-living crisis not relenting, Brits are being forced to make further cuts to their expenses and are having to be more careful of what they spend their more limited disposable income on. With that in mind, a visit to the hairdresser is among one of the expenditures that has been hit the hardest[12].

UK hair salons are among the independent retailers most negatively affected by rising energy prices, debts acquired during pandemic era closures, taxes, and lowered consumer visits[13]. The numbers of salons in the UK fell by 527 last year, which is the biggest decrease in ten years, with 1,500 fewer hair salons on the high street than a decade ago[14].

In response to this, salon professionals are feeling the need to do more to give consumers the ‘perfect’ salon experience to get them through their doors, and to keep coming back. Part of this is providing a full, luxury customer experience, from refreshments offered to products used. As prices are set to stay high, this trend will continue.

Within the salon experience, it is important to use a quiet product. Quieter tools can allow for a more relaxing and enjoyable salon experience for clients, with the chance to chat to their stylist and properly discuss their hair requirements during the appointment. Therefore, having a quieter tool can help facilitate that and enhance the client’s experience whilst ensuring that they are happy with the work being done throughout.

A faster working tool can also enable professionals to book in more appointments by shortening each session. Having faster changeovers between clients can help support the salon industry as many struggle with rising operating costs due to less appointments.

Prioritising a quiet and quick salon experience is both beneficial to professionals and clients, creating a more comfortable and efficient environment, and we expect to see this more in the next year as new tools on the market support this. 

There has been a rise in consumer trends and online hair hacks in the last few years. With the accelerated rise of social media, in particular TikTok, there is more access than before to educational content with individuals sharing personal and professional advice for others to follow at home and bring to the salon.

Hair is unique to each individual and there are a multitude of hair textures, with sub-types under the three main natural textures. And each of these require its own specific treatment, from tension when drying to temperature and products used.

According to an independent study, out of 35,000 registered hair salons in the UK, only 302 cater for coily and natural hair textures[14]. Keeping up with consumer needs by ensuring that salons are fitted with the tools that are made for different hair types and styles will benefit both professionals and clients. There are already products on the market that can aid with this, in particular, Dyson technology is engineers for all hair types, meaning clients are left with healthier hair and an improved experience.

Those with few options for hairdressers that use suitable products for their hair type will be attracted to those hairdressers who do use these, and clients will receive the high-quality service they are looking for. We can expect to see professionals taking more care to provide services to a wider range of clients to meet the consumer demand and gap in the market.

Following the years of lockdown, we have seen a more natural trend take the beauty world by storm from the ‘clean girl aesthetic’ to the ‘curly girl method’; it has become a popular topic on social media recently. As part of this, hair health has taken centre stage. People are becoming more aware and focused on their hair type and how to best look after it, and temperature control is an important factor in maintaining hair in good condition to avoid excessive heat damage.

Using hot tools often has always been advised against to prevent damage, with a multitude of heat protector products readily available on the market. However, through advances in technology, modern hair tools are fitted with temperature sensors that control the temperature for you and never get hot enough to cause lasting damage to hair. The Dyson Supersonic™ professional hair dryer measure the air temperature over 40 times a second to regulate the heat and prevent extreme heat damage. This product goes one-step further, using attachments that are engineered for better hair health, such as the gentle air attachment. Adapting to support customers’ demand to protect their hair health can play an important part in attracting and retaining clients, especially as the importance placed on enhancing natural beauty is set to continue into 2024.

Dyson’s global styling ambassador Larry King echoes these trends, describing how having the right professional hair care tools is essential in creative those ‘on trend’ looks, “Today, my clients are much more interested in maintaining the condition of their hair between salon visits. With greater exposure to information about hair health, they’re taking it on board with their day-to-day haircare and styling routines. In the present day, hair health is reflected in trends such as the undone wave, the popularity of the classic, bouncy blow dry, and the progression of the natural hair movement.   I've seen more people move away from extreme heat styling; they’re wanting more protective styles or ‘lived in’ looks that can last a couple of days without too many touch ups, or it’s about making the hair look as smooth, shiny and healthy as possible.  “

Consumers often look to use the products that their hairdressers use because of the experience they’ve had in the salon. When getting your hair done professionally, who wouldn’t want to recreate those results at home?

Clients will trust their hairdressers to have professional knowledge on the tools and products used to achieve these amazing results, and they may even have access to products that are not readily available in your local healthcare and beauty retailers. In fact, hairdressers are one of the five most trusted professions in the UK[15]. Professionals have the direct access to clients to share their insider knowledge with them and fully explain the benefits of particular products, providing tailored and personal advice.

The right tools can make all the difference in bringing that professional touch to your daily routine. Especially as the cost of living continues to bite, consumers are less likely to visit a hairdresser for regular styling and so are looking for ways to have similar results at home.

On the other hand, professionals also want products that are designed and created by their peers. Equipment is required to last longer than those used by consumers, as they will in operation multiple times every day, as opposed to on occasion.

Having the right products to hand that are designed with professional use in mind is crucial for hairdressers to be able to use their skills effectively. Investing in professional equipment that is purposefully engineered for consistent and regular use can last longer and therefore prove to be more cost effective in the long term. We are seeing more professionals looking for that stamp of approval from industry experts, and that level of expert quality is sure to continue to be a priority in the years to come. 

Wellness and mental health considerations are set to be on the top of business agendas in 2024. Already, these aspects are being given more importance by businesses to ensure a happy, healthy and comfortable working environment. Doing so can even be a factor in retaining and attracting talent with 61% of employees reporting to switch roles due to poor mental health, despite most large corporates providing mental health and wellbeing support[16].

Everyone has different requirements and understanding of these topics but, in order to get the best out of employees and users of an establishment, adaptability is crucial for businesses to meet the needs of each individual. The type of lighting that is used within a business is an appliance that goes unnoticed and is often taken for granted yet has a big impact on people’s wellness.

A neurodivergent person, for example, may struggle to process visual information or experience hypersensitivity to visual aspects such as light, glare, flicker, and patterns. For some, it can be disorienting to be in a space with a high contrast between light and shadow. For those with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), high illuminance levels are a common issue; whilst long, continuous linear lights may provide distressing to individuals with dementia. 

Even neurotypical people can struggle with poor lighting. Low quality light can cause eye strain, headaches and even migraines. Proper lighting that takes the space, its uses and its users in mind can benefit the overall health of those within a space and increase productivity and satisfaction. We spend around 90% of our time indoors[17], whether that’s through work, school, visiting a hospitality venue or healthcare establishment, and are therefore exposed to artificial light the most often.

Therefore, ensuring lighting is personalised to best support an individual’s success and comfort is key in creating a comfortable and safe environment, and often can help a business achieve its purpose.

This is an important factor to consider across a range of venues, including education buildings, office spaces and care homes, and is set to be thought of more carefully in 2024.