Nigerian Workers Describe How Work Has Changed for Them in the Last Year - Africa Digital Adoption
The Workplace Environment Shift
Many would not have predicted this new future of work before the pandemic.
However, the pandemic struck, and the world of work has changed dramatically in front of our eyes.
In recent years, the workplace environment has shifted from cubicle-based offices to open workspaces and, more recently, remote working.
According to new data from McKinsey, 20% of the global workforce could work from home three to five days a week.
People now work from home, sharing workspaces with partners and children.
This evolution, facilitated by introducing new technology and tools, has resulted in the adaptation of modern office needs and employee work styles. Some of the work from home tools and technologies include: Good Wifi, Zoom, Google Meet, Github, Slack and a host of others.
A New Way To Work Using Technology
Few things are clear at this point; there is no going back to the old way of working. Dr. I. D Ajaero, a lecturer at UNN, said that before the pandemic, attending conferences in-person to present research papers and interact with experts and colleagues in her field was the norm.
I was invited to a workshop in Ghana a few weeks ago. The initial plan called for a trip to Ghana, but it was canceled, and the workshop was held entirely online via Zoom. Thus, much has changed with the advent of virtual travel.
Dr. Ijeoma Dorathy Ajaero, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), now attends and chairs virtual conferences via Zoom. Additionally, she stated that the University encouraged faculty to deliver lectures virtually via zoom and Google meet, citing the University's size and the issue of social distancing.
Similarly, Moyosore Aderinoye, a Data Analyst at Panoptic Insights, stated that his work had evolved significantly over the years. "Since we are currently working remotely, internet data, time zones, and avoiding becoming sluggish simply because you are at home have become a major source of concern for me.”
However, some are more optimistic about the job change. Ogunyale Kehinde, a Chatdesk Software Engineer, told this correspondent that he enjoys the flexibility that remote work provides.
"I have the freedom to work wherever I please. I'd say that there are times when I feel like working in the middle of the night and reserving my day for something else, and times when I feel like working during the day.”
He added that his productivity had increased significantly due to his ability to complete tasks during his most productive period.
Dr. Ijeoma, for her part, disclosed that she works in a hybrid model. “I deliver lectures in person as well as virtually through Zoom and Google Meets,” she explains.
Similarly, Gbemi Oni, an Economic Analyst, describes her work schedule as a hybrid. She explained that before the pandemic, most works took place in offices. However, she can now attend meetings, collaborate with colleagues, and complete work outside of the office using virtual tools.
However, she did note that remote work has altered "working hours," as working hours can now be extended to any time of day. She explained that her company changed its office hours from 7.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. to 9 a.m. - 3.30 p.m., but many employees continue to stay beyond the normal working hours.
She is not alone; Kehinde says he works remotely between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., but he occasionally overworks.
Digital Technology Adoption
Moyosore noted that he initially used Zoom for meetings but eventually switched to Google Meet. Similarly, Kehinde indicates that Google Meet is the primary platform he utilizes for work.
Gbemi, like Dr. Ijeoma, states that she utilizes both Teams and Zoom.
Moyosore says his company communicates primarily through Slack and Telegram, as well as through official mail. Gbemi says her company prefers WhatsApp but previously used Yammer.
Kehinde indicates that he makes use of Google Meet, Slack, and WhatsApp.
However, Dr. Ijeoma noted that there had been challenges associated with the adoption of online platforms, such as network irregularities.
She noted that these obstacles distort instruction. “The other day, several students complained that their network connection was inadequate, which resulted in their missing my lectures,” she observed.
In Conclusion
Dr. Ijeoma envisions a future where much work will be done virtually, shrinking the world into a global village where people will become global citizens.
Moyosore, in his opinion, prefers a hybrid method, as a home can become monotonous at times. He did, however, point out that complete remote work is acceptable as long as you remember to take a walk.
Gbemi concurs. According to her, the new standard is beneficial to her. She explained that she is not required to leave home too early for work and participate in meetings from anywhere. This, she claims, provides flexibility.
She added that it allows her to rest on days when she is not working, as commuting can be stressful. Kehinde also concluded that the changes to his working style had been a positive experience in general.
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