Harnessing Hybrid Working as a Tactic to Mitigate Lethal Risks Among Firms in Nigeria -By Caleb Onah

As the global workforce adapts to the new normal brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, hybrid working has emerged as a viable solution for organisations across various industries. Nigeria, like many other countries, has experienced the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. However, the adoption of hybrid working arrangements can potentially serve as a tactic for the government to neutralise some of the most lethal risks among firms in the country.

With globally, employees experiencing significant benefits from remote work, especially in terms of prioritising their health and overall well-being. This trend is particularly prominent in Nigeria, where skilled workers are increasingly expecting and seeking flexible work opportunities. As a result, there has been a steady rise in remote work job openings since 2020.

A report titled “Shaping the Future of Work in India’s Tech Industry”, which includes a stakeholder survey of 75 public companies discovered that over 80 percent of IT companies are industry are more inclined to embrace a hybrid work model compared to others. Given the choice, about 70% of employees in the digital sectors would prefer a combination of remote and on-site work models, while 25% would opt for completely remote work.

Hybrid Working Models: The New Normal

One of the most significant risks faced by firms in Nigeria, as in many other countries, is the disruption to business continuity. Unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, political instability, or health crises can severely impact the operations of businesses. By adopting hybrid working models, organisations can ensure continuity even during challenging times. When physical office spaces become inaccessible or unsafe, employees can seamlessly transition to remote work, maintaining productivity and minimising downtime.

Moving forward, Nigeria faces a unique set of health risks, including outbreaks of diseases, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and urban congestion. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of minimising health risks within the workplace. Hybrid working reduces the concentration of employees in a single location, decreasing the likelihood of infectious disease transmission. By allowing employees to work remotely, firms can protect their workforce and mitigate the potential for workplace outbreaks.

Hybrid working has demonstrated its potential to enhance productivity and job satisfaction. Research indicates that employees who have the flexibility to work remotely experience increased motivation, reduced stress levels, and improved work-life balance. By empowering employees to choose where they work, organisations in Nigeria can foster a culture of trust and autonomy, leading to higher employee morale and productivity. Moreover, hybrid working enables organisations to tap into a larger talent pool by removing geographical constraints, resulting in improved workforce diversity and skills acquisition.

According to a comprehensive report titled “Reshaping the Path of Work in India’s Technology Industry,” which incorporates insights from a survey of 75 prominent public companies, it has been revealed that more than 80% of IT firms are inclined towards embracing a hybrid work model, surpassing other industry sectors. The study further highlights that approximately 70% of digital sector employees express a preference for a blended work approach, combining remote work with on-site presence, while 25% lean towards a fully remote work setup. Further, creating a work-life balance.

Another significant benefit of hybrid working for firms in Nigeria is the potential for cost reduction. Physical office spaces, especially in prime locations, can be expensive to maintain. By adopting hybrid working, organisations can downsize their office spaces, reducing overhead costs related to rent, utilities, and office supplies. Moreover, employees working remotely save on commuting expenses, which can result in increased disposable income and improved financial well-being. These cost-saving measures can be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently.

Challenges and Considerations

While hybrid working offers several advantages, its implementation requires careful consideration and effective management. Challenges such as ensuring effective communication and collaboration, maintaining data security, and managing employee performance may arise. The government, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, should develop guidelines, policies, and infrastructure to support the successful adoption of hybrid working across different sectors. To effectively leverage hybrid working as a tactic, the Nigerian government can take the following steps:

The government can develop policies and guidelines that promote and regulate hybrid working arrangements. This includes addressing legal aspects such as data privacy, employment contracts, and taxation considerations for remote workers. Clear guidelines will provide a framework for organisations to implement hybrid working in a compliant and efficient manner.

Also, adequate infrastructure is crucial for the successful implementation of hybrid working. The government can invest in reliable and affordable internet connectivity across the country, especially in rural areas, to ensure equal access to remote work opportunities. Additionally, supporting digital infrastructure, such as secure cloud storage and collaboration tools, can facilitate seamless remote collaboration and data management.

Furthermore, hybrid working requires a different set of skills and competencies compared to traditional office-based work. The government can collaborate with educational institutions and industry associations to provide training programs that equip employees and employers with the necessary skills for effective remote work. This includes areas such as remote team management, digital communication, cybersecurity, and work-life balance.

Another issue is in collaboration between the government, private sector, and industry associations is vital to drive the adoption of hybrid working. The government can engage in dialogues with business leaders and industry experts to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by different sectors. By fostering partnerships, the government can develop tailored solutions, share best practices, and provide support to businesses during the transition to hybrid working models.

The government can launch awareness campaigns to educate businesses and employees about the benefits of hybrid working. These campaigns can highlight success stories, share case studies, and provide practical guidance on implementing hybrid work arrangements. By raising awareness and addressing misconceptions, the government can encourage organisations to embrace the concept and leverage its potential for risk mitigation.

Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of hybrid working can help identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments. The government can collect feedback from businesses and employees to gauge the effectiveness of hybrid work arrangements, identify emerging challenges, and adapt policies and support measures accordingly.

In conclusion, hybrid working can serve as a valuable tactic for the Nigerian government to neutralise lethal risks among firms. However, a supportive ecosystem, encompassing policy support, infrastructure development, skill training, public-private partnerships, awareness campaigns, and monitoring mechanisms, is crucial to ensure successful implementation. By embracing hybrid working, Nigeria can build a resilient and agile workforce that thrives in the face of uncertainties and drives sustainable economic growth.