Just Before You Start Working Remotely...

Hi there, I hope you're doing great.

By the time you're reading this it is quite possible that I would be stuck in traffic, lamenting the problem that is trying to get to anywhere in Lagos, or I would be dreading that possibility. ??

Me panicking at the sight of the third mainland bridge

Whichever way I'm facing, traffic has always been a major problem. That is one big reason why I love remote jobs so much - they allow you to skip one of the most unpleasant experiences of the 21st century and go straight to making money or getting some R&R (depending on whether you're about to resume or about to close)

Having worked both remotely and onsite at separate times in my career, I will admit that both options do have their pros and cons, which brings me to the topic today.

As an employer in the present business climate, it's makes perfect sense to go remote or at least run a hybrid system with some off days, especially if you're situated in a commercial hub like Lagos, Oyo or Portharcourt for instance.

The advantages to such a move are numerous; apart from the fact that it would reduce your overhead costs by taking away the cost of power supply and rent among others, it also opens up your business to a much larger talent pool as you no longer have to source for employees within a particular geographic location. Let's not forget that remote jobs also mean zero time spent in traffic, which is just awesome let's not lie. ??

On the other hand, a remote job also has it's cons which you, as an employer, should be prepared for so they don't run you down.

Con #1: First be sure if you can truly work remotely.

Take a minute and really, really think about it - Can your business survive outside the standard brick and mortar office?

Yes, the workplace is evolving, yes, offices are becoming a relic, but yet you as a business owner must consider the peculiarities of your business environment before making such a huge switch. Think carefully of all your business's processes and how they would be affected by remote work. Weigh the pros and cons and the readiness of members of staff, how it would affect your relationship with suppliers and clients, and if it would be sustainable for you long term.

If you check all the boxes here, then we can move forward.

Con #2: You need to ensure that all employees have the adequate work tools to get the job done.

To work effectively from home, each employee needs to have a workstation they can use. At It's most basic form they would need a PC and an internet connection, but that's not all. There is also a need for a platform to cordinate team efforts, access to relevant work files and of course channels of conversation with suppliers and clients to be maintained. Depending on your business requirements there may be other necessities outside what I've mentioned.

You need to be sure that the necessities have been provided, and if not that there are viable workarounds on ground that could be used. On the plus side a lot of businesses are going remote, so there are solutions that have been built to address these issues, if you can take some time to review a few of them, you are sure to find a combination that is just right for your team and your budget.

Con #3: There's no nice way to say this, but you have to be prepared for indiscipline and irresponsibility.

Your patience will be tested.

One thing common across employers operating with a remote workplace is the complaint that employees tend to slack off a fair bit during work hours. This usually happens because they got distracted, or in some cases, see remote jobs as a paid vacation.

As an employer, you should ensure that your employees fully understand, and are able to exhibit the level of self discipline that would be required of them. Help them to understand that although they may not be in a physical office, they are nonetheless at work and should behave appropriately.

With that said, running a remote business is awesome, in fact, one of my favorite work experiences happened in a fully remote environment. If you're able to set it up successfully, the freedom and ease it provides for both the employer and employee is something both parties would enjoy a lot, however, just before the decision is made, be sure you're able to handle it.

If you would excuse me, I have to deal with this traffic. See you next edition.

Till next time on #businesswithlaolu, keep winning! ????