By Ogechukwu Ejim

In 2020, the world experienced a shaking as the pandemic caused by the covid 19 virus prevented companies from carrying out their business as usual. Social distancing measures meant offices and workplaces could no longer function and business had to adopt strategies to cope and allow them survive. While some companies opted for shifts; employees would work in shifts that way fewer people will be in the office each day, many more companies were able to transit to a remote working system; this allows everyone to work from home, thus further reducing the risk of contracting the virus as each person is safer at home. In most cases what we see is a fusion of both; with people working from home on the days they are not required to come to the office.

Although, working remotely has been proven to increase productivity; according to a survey by connect solutions 77% of those who work remotely at least a few times per month show increased productivity, with 30% doing more work in less time and 24% doing more work in the same time. In Nigeria however, working from home is hindered by our irregular and in some places non-existent power supply and also poor internet connections. The office has always been the guaranteed place for light, internet and even computers for employees who do not have one.

Regardless of this challenge, many companies are finding ways to adapt to this inevitable shift in work culture; but to be honest certain industries like the tech industry and bigger corporate companies have it easier but for others and service-based companies especially, the need to undergo digital transformation comes first before working from home can be productive for them.   For companies, that are not able to transit completely, an innovative approach like co- shared working spaces is gaining popularity and while other states and cities like Abuja and Port Harcourt are embracing the new trend gradually, Lagos, the business epicenter of the country, appears to be taking it to the next level.    Co working spaces pose several benefits which include:

Still allows for human interaction and reduces loneliness:
although working from home is an opportunity many employees jump on; some are not so excited about it mainly because human interaction is limited and human interaction is needed for many to thrive and overcome anxiety disorders. This contributes to why work stations are a preferred option, employees still have the option of leaving their homes, plus they get to meet new people occasionally. 

 Provides Flexibility and reduces cost:
Rather than pay a premium for rent: companies can subscribe to work stations at a lesser cost as often as they want.

  Allows for Work -life balance:
Staying healthy is important for longevity of productivity. The flexibility of workout stations also allow you incorporate a fitness routine you can stick with as the rigidity of opening and closing hours no longer apply. You can also easily contribute and show up for social events that otherwise you would have cancelled. Currently in Nigeria less than 20% of the workforce working for Nigerian companies work from home but with Lagos contributing to up to 50% of that number. According to Forbes, By 2025, an estimated 70% of the workforce will be working remotely at least five days a month. Without a doubt remote work is here to stay and for Nigerian businesses to survive that shift must first begin at its root, digital technologies must be adopted as they are the lifeblood of remote work.