The cost of working in South Africa
The cost of commuting is no longer a “cost of living”. It’s a “cost of working”. - Leesman.
Sandton traffic, December 2022
When it comes to getting work done, employees are dealing with many barriers beyond just the office.
I was in conversation with the director of a facilities management company recently. They underwent a massive internal pivot to support their clients with the power crisis.
With rolling blackouts in South Africa on the cards for at least the next two years, companies are gearing up to cope while trying to manage the disruption. They’re investing in power generation, batteries and all the other means they can to ensure they keep their lights on and internet connected.
It's a no brainer then, the director told me, that everyone would be coming back to the office.
“Hybrid was a great idea… but it’s irrelevant when people simply don’t have electricity at home. Why bother with WFH? People just need power. And that’s at the office.”
That’s not the first time I’ve heard this. And it does hold weight.
But I think it deserves more thought.
When it comes to getting work done, employees are not only dealing with the power crisis.
What about the cost of fuel, which has increased nearly 20% in South Africa in the last year?
What about the additional time spent in traffic every day, thanks to traffic lights with no power?
And the cost of that extra fuel while idling in the jam?
Here’s a friend of mine:
A single parent who now takes an hour and a half to drop the kids off at school and get to work in the morning. That’s at least 3 hours a day driving.
She worked out that she’s spending thousands of Rands extra on petrol every year. Enough to finance an inverter, and more.
Can you see why she can’t see the point of coming in to the office five times a week?
Of course it’s not the same for everyone.
And we’re still working out how to marry the idealism of the hybrid manifesto with the painful practicalities of a country in crisis.
(Never mind the recent ranking as one of the most stressed out nations in the world.)
So, when your employees are reticent, how about taking a step back. Ask yourself:
What is the real cost for each person to get to the office every day?
Does the benefit to each person, and the company, outweigh these costs?
Is the office experience adding anything that this person couldn’t get at home? Anything that truly benefits them and helps them work better?
Do they feel that by coming in they are able to make their best contribution?
What do they really want and need anyway?
And how can we give them what they need, without compromising the short and long term needs of the organisation?
Maybe you should ask them.
You might be surprised at peoples’ willingness to be part of the conversation.
I’d love to hear how it goes for you.
Thanks for reading.