Business - February 9, 2022

5 Struggles of Remote Work in Africa

Working remotely may seem like a dream come true for many people who are tired of commuting in the morning, but it comes with its own set of obstacles.

February 9, 2022

6 min read

The struggles of adopting remote work in Africa are mainly aided by the current work culture on the continent. Pandemic has compelled us to engage in a massive, forcible social experiment in how we work and live. For many people, the circumstance has presented an opportunity to rethink how they will work in the future. There is now widespread agreement that there should be no return to pre-pandemic physical workplaces.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hastened the transition to remote employment, which benefits both employers and people. According to one study, firms can save up to $22,000 per full-time remote employee by eliminating office-related costs.

The pandemic has taught us that we must be willing to accept and adapt to new ways of working. With cross-functional, self-organised teams. Maintaining a balance between remote working habits and an agile mindset. The pandemic was in a lot of ways, a metaphor for the uncertainty that characterises our ecosystem.

Companies in Africa face several challenges when it comes to remote work. Here are 5 struggles of remote work in Africa.

Power or Electricity

For some countries, power or energy is not always available. Many African countries with intermittent or non-existent energy will limit working hours and, as a result, output. This means that citizens may be without direct electricity from the government for numerous hours every day, week, or month. Alternatives such as generators, inverters, power banks, and solar-powered gadgets are commonplace. Electricity given by the government is not free, but it is often less expensive than the alternatives. The major problem is ensuring that our team members have continual access to electricity throughout their shift because there will almost certainly be a power outage.

Internet Connectivity

We are seeing a lack of improvement in-network coverage, extending access, and low bandwidth in huge regions of Africa. In many countries, affordability is also dropping.

Cloud-based contact centre platforms and solutions are already commonplace. Your staff will need decent internet connectivity to login from home, even if you’re utilising an on-premise solution. Companies spend a significant amount of money in order to ensure that all procedures and platforms work well in the office. While everyone buys internet bandwidth for personal use, the same high-quality internet access that is required at work is now also required at home.

Distractions due to limited space

The structure that is likely in place in a non-remote work environment, includes established office hours to set break and lunch periods. However, when working remotely, these may not be available.

While some people are fortunate enough to have a study room or home office, the bulk of workers will have to create temporary arrangements in the dining or living rooms, which may result in unavoidable distractions from children or other household members.

Financial Difficulties

Pay cuts are also a serious issue, which might demotivate workers as commodity prices rise. Many people may not be lucky enough to receive government assistance, and groups may not be able to provide assistance in times of need.

Societal Problems

Another issue is that many Africans are concerned about the perception of individuals who work from home. People will think you’re hardworking if they see you leave home early and return late, especially if you’re dressed for work.