Like most of the world, the workplace in South Africa is rapidly evolving, with remote working becoming a defining trend instead of a phase. Once considered a stopgap measure during the pandemic, remote work is now proving to be a sustainable and efficient way to conduct business both locally and globally.
While some small business owners may remain sceptical (the concept is quite different from what we were used to), remote working offers unparalleled advantages. At aXia Consulting, we’ve embraced this model and are excited to share its transformative potential for South African businesses.
The benefits of remote working
1. Cost efficiency:
The numbers speak for themselves and for South African businesses, moving to a remote model can result in substantial savings. Consider the average cost of office space in Johannesburg or Cape Town, where rental prices account for a sizable portion of a business’s expenses. By cutting out office leases and associated overheads, companies can redirect these funds toward growth initiatives such as employee training, technology upgrades, or marketing campaigns.
2. Access to a larger talent pool:
Remote work opens up opportunities to hire talent across South Africa, including areas with lower living costs such as Bloemfontein or East London, where skilled professionals may be seeking opportunities outside of traditional business hubs. This allows businesses to diversify their teams and access untapped talent pools.
3. Increased productivity:
Research by the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) revealed that many South African employees are more productive when working from home. With fewer disruptions and reduced commuting times (which can often be upwards of two hours a day in main cities), employees can focus better on their tasks.
4. Employee satisfaction and retention:
Remote work offers South Africans the flexibility to better balance work and personal commitments, especially in households where family responsibilities are significant. This flexibility reduces burnout and increases job satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates. The Work-from-Anywhere Index ranks South Africa as an emerging market for remote work (Cape Town placing at #16), with its unique challenges offset by improving infrastructure and strong work ethic.
How to transition your business to a fully remote model
Transitioning to a remote-first setup in South Africa requires strategic planning and investment.
1. Invest in technology:
Businesses can leverage affordable but powerful tools like Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp Business, and Google Workspace for seamless communication and collaboration. High-quality cybersecurity measures are crucial to protect sensitive data, especially considering the rise in cybercrime.
2. Create a remote-work policy:
Clear guidelines tailored to South African labour laws help set expectations. Include details on work hours, deliverables, and data protection, ensuring compliance with local regulations such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
3. Embrace cloud-based solutions:
Cloud accounting software like Xero or Sage, which cater to South African businesses, simplifies operations. These platforms ensure secure, real-time access to data for teams and clients. If you don’t already have an accounting system in place, you can get in touch with us to find out about our discounted rates with Xero.
4. Prioritise training and support:
Offer training on digital tools and provide stipends for home office setups. This not only improves productivity but also demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being.
Staying connected in a remote environment
Maintaining strong communication and collaboration is vital to a thriving remote workforce.
1. Regular check-ins:
Weekly virtual team meetings create opportunities to discuss progress, celebrate achievements, and foster camaraderie. Consider using platforms like Teams or Zoom for a seamless experience.
2. Multi-channel communication:
WhatsApp is a popular tool for quick updates, while email remains essential for formal communication. For more collaborative tasks, tools like Trello or Monday.com are highly effective.
3. Celebrate milestones virtually:
Host in-person or virtual year-end functions or recognition ceremonies to keep morale high. Companies like Gather offer creative ways to engage remote teams online.
4. Promote transparent communication:
Share updates on company performance and changes to maintain trust and alignment. Transparency is especially important in South Africa’s trust-focused business culture.
The challenges of remote work
While the advantages are clear, remote work comes with unique challenges in the South African context.
1. Overcoming connectivity issues:
Load shedding (which I think we are collectively not speaking about just in case it starts again!) and internet reliability remain concerns. Encourage employees to invest in backup power solutions such as UPS devices or generators. Provide financial support where possible to ensure connectivity, and explore mobile data options for more remote regions.
2. Combating isolation:
As a people, we as South Africans, value community and connection, making isolation a significant challenge. Arrange quarterly or bi-annual in-person meetups or team-building activities to strengthen relationships.
3. Managing productivity:
Shift focus to results rather than hours worked. Hitting targets means so much more than hours sitting at a desk. Using tools like TimeCamp or Harvest can help track project progress without micromanagement.
4. Maintaining work-life balance:
Encourage employees to establish routines and respect boundaries. This is especially important in South African households where multi-generational living is common, and distractions are frequent.
The future is remote
Remote working is more than a trend—it’s a strategic opportunity for South African businesses to innovate and grow. With benefits ranging from reduced costs to greater employee satisfaction, a remote-first model is worth considering for businesses of all sizes.
At aXia Consulting, we’re living proof that remote working not only works but that it works successfully. Our virtual setup has allowed us to service clients across South Africa and beyond, proving that trust and technology can bridge any distance. Our CEO spent a few weeks in Bali last year while still running the business remotely. Remote working opens up so many possibilities as to what you can do with your time.
If you can work from your home office, then you can work just as well from a café in Paris or a sun lounger in Phuket. The business landscape is changing, make those changes work for you.
English 
Afrikaans