Nigeria’s Workplace Transformed: Seizing Opportunities Amid Global Shifts, says Ugodre Obi-Chukwu

Global shifts in geopolitics and economics have significantly influenced labor market dynamics and workplace trends in Nigeria, offering potential opportunities in the job market. These insights were shared by Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, founder of InfoStride News, during his keynote address at the Workplace Outlook event held on November 24th in Lagos, organized by Alan & Grant. The event focused on the theme “Balancing the Conversation: Aligning Employee and Employer Expectations.”

Ugodre emphasized that navigating the evolving global landscape requires a nuanced understanding of geopolitical shifts, economic indicators, and proactive HR practices to foster a constructive dialogue between employees and employers.

The Workplace Outlook event aimed to provide valuable insights into addressing challenges and capitalizing on emerging opportunities in the labor market. Here are key highlights from Ugodre’s presentation and the ensuing panel discussion:

### Global Landscape Impact on Emerging Markets

Ugodre’s presentation shed light on early 2023 events shaped by global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars, emphasizing their repercussions on emerging markets such as Nigeria.

### China’s Ascendancy

Highlighting China’s ascent as a global superpower, Ugodre pointed out potential opportunities for job seekers and entrepreneurs to leverage China’s technological advancements.

### Challenges in the Financial Market

Further discussing the clampdown on cryptocurrency and key economic indicators affecting Nigeria’s macro-economy, Ugodre addressed issues like high inflation driven by supply-side problems, influencing borrowing and project funding strategies.

Additional factors such as slow economic growth, industry recessions since 2021, and the potential for increased taxes in Nigeria provided a comprehensive overview of the economic landscape.

### Opportunities in the Labor Market

Ugodre identified diversification away from the oil and gas sector, technology and innovation emphasis, infrastructural development, financial services expansion, tourism and entertainment, manufacturing and local production, export expansion, education and training, healthcare development, agriculture, and expansion as potential areas for job opportunities.

### Global Work Trends

According to Ugodre, workplace trends such as increased remote and hybrid work, digital transformation, focus on employee well-being, upskilling, gig economy growth, diversity and inclusion initiatives, sustainability practices, automation, and entrepreneurial culture were highlighted and discussed.

### Panel Session Insights

The event featured a panel session with professionals discussing challenges such as mass resignations and strategies to keep employees motivated. The panel included Jumoke Awolumate, Busola Ayelowo, Stanley Eluwa, Dr. Deji Osasona, Jacqueline Aki, Taiwo Dayo Abatan, and Yewande Oso.

Key points discussed included leveraging training, creating a legal bond after training for employee retention, ensuring adherence to the employment contract, and removing ambiguity in contracts to avoid employee-employer conflicts.

Taiwo Dayo Abatan stressed the importance of openness in contracts to eliminate ambiguity and entitlement mentality. Others highlighted the significance of a psychologically safe work environment, aligning values with organizational goals, and understanding the impact of attitudes on international work prospects.

Dr. Osasona advised on the long-term effects of attitudes at work on one’s overall life and performance abroad, while Yewande Oso emphasized the alignment of values with organizational goals. Jacqueline spoke on the need for innovative employers to create a psychologically safe environment through improvements in the workplace environment, considering ergonomics.

In conclusion, the panel advised that employers set the tone for workplace culture, emphasizing its crucial role in shaping the overall work environment.