Sun Feb 05 2023 10:09:47 GMT+0200 (South Africa Standard Time) - QikTruck Media
As companies around the world adjust to the remote work model brought on by the global pandemic, the way that organisations treat their employees has become increasingly important. As a result, employee retention has become key - especially in South Africa - where remote work is not necessarily commonplace. This article takes a deep dive into the impacts of remote work on employee retention in South Africa and how companies can stay ahead of the curve.
In recent years, job recruitment and retention have been identified as important factors in the success of businesses. The rise of remote working has changed the way organisations approach recruitment, however, and employee retention has become even more important. Employers need to be mindful of the specific needs and constraints of remote workers, as well as the changing needs of their current staff.
With the advent of the global pandemic and the need to move many workplaces to virtual environments, the impact of remote work on employee retention has become an absolute necessity. From providing more flexible hours to offering greater work-life balance, offering the benefits of remote work can be the difference between retaining and losing employees.
For South Africa, the progression into remote working has been slightly slower than some other countries. So, how does the country measure up when it comes to remote working’s impact on employee retention?
Employee engagement and productivity have been shown to increase as a result of working from home. Studies have shown that remote workers are at least as productive, if not more so, than those in the office. Additionally, when remote work is maintained over long-term, employee retention rates tend to increase. This can lead to a decreased need for recruitment and staff training, reducing the burden and cost on the employer.
For South African organisations, the move to remote work has been of great benefit. Not only have communication and collaboration become easier, but employees have felt more secure in their job prospects. Worker retention rates have increased, as remote working has enabled employees to enjoy increased flexibility, and to find a better balance between career and family.
With the majority of employees in South Africa able to use software and cloud services, and with most organisations having a secure online environment, remote work is not only viable, but also providing considerable benefits. By providing the necessary tools, enabling collaboration and communication, and giving more flexible hours, remote work has proven to be beneficial for employee retention.
As South Africa’s remote working experience is still in the early stages, employers should bear in mind the importance of properly integrating digital change. This should involve the adoption of software and new tech, a clear policy outlining employee expectations and obligations, and a recognition system that incentivises and rewards targeted behaviour.
As companies start to step away from traditional recruitment methods they should ensure they are considering digital solutions. This may include platforms such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter, as well as specialised software designed to streamline the recruitment process, such as ClearCompany, Chrome River or iCIMS Talent Platform.
To ensure the effective implementation of remote working in South Africa, the goal should be to focus on flexibility and trust. Meeting technology needs, fostering positive relationships, and providing the necessary tools to help employees achieve their goals: these are all key points when it comes to optimising the remote work experience in South Africa.
For businesses looking to take advantage of the increased interest in remote working, QikTruck can provide the perfect solution. As an on-demand truck and driver hire service, QikTruck makes your supply chain smoother, faster and more efficient. Whether you’re moving bulk, specialised or specific loads, our fleet of experienced, insured and licensed drivers are available 24/7.
At QikTruck, we provide a wide range of cargo and freight services - both locally and overseas. We offer personalised solutions tailored to any size business or individual, and our customised reports provide you with complete visibility into your supply chain. By working with QikTruck, your business can make the most of the shift to remote working, while also benefitting from our reliable, secure and cost-effective solutions.