How can you be successful at remote working when you're based in Africa?
For many across Africa, remote work is the dream. For some, it is drudgery.
Those who like remote work enjoy the flexibility, the lack of a tedious commute, the ability to be closer to and look after family, the impacts on the environment and so on. For others, of course, it can be isolating and challenging when having to grapple with poor internet connectivity, power outages, less than ideal housing situations, loud and noisy neighbours or families not grasping the concept of remote work at home.
Regardless, the benefits can’t be ignored, and here at Flexible, we WANT you to succeed in finding, retaining and enjoying flexible and remote work based in Africa. We have listed out several tips and accumulated wisdom on how to set yourself up for success when it comes to remote work.
Create a conducive and professional workspace in your home
Preferably, choose a quiet and well-lit area of your home with a neat, clutter-free background - a plain wall, shelf or some appropriate artwork - for video calls. Firstly, it gets you into the working mindset, helps reduce distractions and creates a better interaction when you are in virtual meetings.
If you don’t have a background that works, at the very least use a plain wall and add in a background on Zoom for example, or else simply blur out your background during your calls.
Set clear boundaries with your loved ones
Working from home is still a relatively new concept and family members may not get this. They may ask you to run errands, do chores in the kitchen or simply want a chat. Set clear boundaries for when you are at your workspace. Provide windows of time for when you can be approached. It’s easier said than done, but the earlier you establish boundaries, the easier it will be on the longer run. If all else fails, put on your headphones and pretend you’re on a work call. Likewise, respect your own time by setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. With no clear cut times for logging in or out, overworking can lead to burnout, so take regular breaks and log off at a reasonable hour.
Be keenly aware of time zone differences
Working with clients or colleagues across different African countries or globally means navigating various time zones. Always verify and respect others' local times when scheduling meetings. Utilise tools like World Time Buddy to keep track of different time zones. At the same time, don’t accept meetings that bully you into taking calls at 10pm. Be firm with your time zones as well.
Get your video conferencing right
Video calls are a staple in remote work and help build trust and rapport with your far flung colleagues and clients. Ensure you're familiar with the software being used. Test your microphone, camera, and internet connection before any call. When on a video call, look into the camera, listen actively, and mute your microphone when not speaking to minimise background noise. Remember to unmute when you need to speak!
Maintain Data Privacy and Security
With cyber threats on the rise, ensuring data security is paramount. Use strong passwords, avoid public Wi-Fi for work-related activities, and ensure your computer has updated antivirus software. You must be vigilant about phishing scams and protect sensitive company information. Don’t open files willy-nilly unless you know the sender.
Dealing with poor connectivity
We’ve all been there. It’s time for your call and your internet speeds are as sluggish as a snail on holiday. Or like me, your internet bundle expires 5 minutes before the call. As a general rule, have a data plan on your phone or a portable internet device as a backup. Download necessary documents and emails in advance of meetings to continue working offline if needed. Communication is key! Inform your team or clients about your connectivity issues and provide an estimate of when you'll be back online.
Dealing with power outages
Depending on where you live, this may be a recurring issue, or perhaps you’re one of the chosen ones and rarely experience the joy of blackouts. During the work day, ensure that your laptop is on charge to maintain maximum battery life in the event of a power cut and also ensure that your phone has sufficient battery. If possible, invest in a small UPS for backup power for your laptop and router, if applicable. If all else fails, develop a good relationship with a nearby cafe as an alternative working location if power outages are frequent.
Happy working. Be sure to check out our latest flexible job listings across Africa at Flexible.
