The New Year is swiftly upon us, and the rat race has begun.
With kids returning to school and work starting with all its challenges.
Post pandemic the world finds itself with most businesses transitioned into hybrid operations resulting in many of us working from home.
The reality is that hybrid working has become more and more prevalent since the early 2000’s with the implementation of the internet and the recognition of the actual cost of time wasted, spent in city traffic.
The pandemic merely acted as a catalyst which caused the reaction process to accelerate.
What is the hybrid model?
The hybrid model is a blend between remote and traditional office working.
The pros:
● Businesses can cut costs, therefore lowering operating costs
● Improved employee morale – balance, freedom and flexibility
● Improved employee efficiency
The cons:
● Difficult to communicate / collaborate with colleagues at times, due to various factors. Load shedding having become the main challenge.
● Burnout - employees feel obligated to work longer hours, due to work – home hour balance not being clearly defined. It is easy to slip into working constantly with work being at home with them.
● Businesses struggling to keep up with hybrid transition.
The hybrid model ultimately allows an entrepreneur or employee to have flexibility and freedom to plan their day, which will allow one to be more productive. However, in South Africa where individuals who work remotely (roughly 36% of the population earning above 10 000 Rand a month.) one does encounter daily challenges, which might include:
· Constant threat of loadshedding
· The hiked-up fuel price to run generators
· Trivial interruptions disturbing concentration and focus
· Cost of quality internet access
· Less creativity resulting in less team interaction
· Loneliness
Based on the above challenges. Is working from home necessarily free?
Well, most would say yes, but how accurate is that in reality?
Cost to work from home:
Estimated cost per working month of 21 days
Electricity
R518,95
Generator Fuel
R73,78
Wi-Fi
R280,56
Interruption time
R973,98
Coffee/ Tea
R420,00
Total
R2 267,27
(All calculations are based on estimates, for more information see last page.)
Whereas organizations do face similar challenges when it comes to traditional offices, due to the power shortages and the high costs of leasing in South Africa.
Now,
Imagine having the ‘FLEXIBILITY’ and ‘FREEDOM’, but without having to face the above challenges …. Call it crazy, wishful thinking or lucid dreaming!
Office Co. Provides the SOLUTION - flexible workspace, with the main aim of accommodating entrepreneurs, employees, and SMEs.
Memberships start from just R1000.00 per month Exclusive Vat. Where we take care of your daily challenges, so that you can focus on what is vitally important!
Members at Office Co. have access to:
· Flexible and productive work environment
· Electricity 24/7
· The business center 24/7
· High Speed internet connection
· Flexible workspace community
· Short term contracts
The hybrid work model is undoubtedly the present and future of business models in this ever-evolving world.
Office Co seeks to provide the solutions to the disadvantages of hybrid as well as the benefits of the advantages of the model. This is achieved through offering cost effective flexible workspace and quality services to businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.
Sounds too good to be true?
Book your guided tour and let us show you why we are the solution to start the year 2023 off on the right note.
Reference:
Cost calculation Electricity:
● Average typical household expenditure R2224,10 per month
2224,1/30 days = R74,14 per day
9-5 typical working day therefore 8 hours, 74,14/24 hours = R 3,089 per hour, therefore 3,089 x 8 x 21 workdays= R518,95
● Generator:
Average expenditure R632,5 per month by household
632,5/30= R40,00 per day
40/24 hours = R1,67 per hour
1,67 x 8 hours x 21 working days= R 73,7772
● WI-FI:
Average Wifi expenditure per month by household
R1200/30= R40,00 per day
40/24 hours= R1,67 per hour
1,67 x 8 hours x 21 working days= R280,56
● Coffee/tea:
R5 per cup, inclusive of sugar, milk, and water.
5 x 4 cups per day x 21 working days= R420,00
● Interruption time:
2 hours based on minimum wage.
23,19 x 2 hours x 21 working days= R 973,98