If you asked me what I truly want from work, I would not say more snacks in the office kitchen, even if that would be nice. I wouldn’t even start with salary. Yes, more money is always needed as human wants and needs are insatiable. But here is most likely what I will tell you:
“I want to wake up and not dread logging on. I want to feel like I’m not alone in the chaos that is Lagos life. I want to be able to rest when I’m tired without feeling guilty. I want to feel seen.”
And I know I’m not the only one.
Over the years, I’ve worked in roles that looked good on paper but left me feeling like just another name on payroll. I’ve also been part of teams, though rare, where I felt like someone thought about my experience beyond KPIs and deadlines. And looking back, the difference was never just what I was doing. It was how I was being treated while doing it.
So, what do Nigerian employees really want? Here's what I think:
1. Clarity Over Surprises
We want to know what’s happening with our pay before it hits the account. Nothing chips away at trust faster than surprise deductions or unclear figures. Transparency isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
2. Permission to Rest Without Punishment
It’s hard enough navigating traffic, fuel scarcity, or epileptic power supply. When life happens, we shouldn’t have to beg to take a breath. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s part of showing up sustainably.
3. Recognition Beyond Annual Reviews
Not every “thank you” needs to come with a bonus. But being acknowledged, genuinely and consistently, reminds us that we’re not invisible. A message, a mention, a shoutout at the Monday stand-up? It goes a long way.
4. Structure That Makes Life Easier
It’s not that we hate process, we just hate clunky ones. When policies are clear, systems are simple, and we know who to talk to (and how), we breathe easier. And that calm shows up in our work.
5. A Sense That Someone Is Thinking About Us
We want to feel like our well-being is a company priority, not an afterthought. Whether it's allowing flexible schedules or offering optional benefits, it matters that the workplace is designed with humans in mind.
Why This Conversation Is So Important
These may sound like small things, but they add up. They build culture. They shape how we show up. And when they’re missing, no amount of free lunch can fill the gap.
That’s why I’m excited about the next episode of The Out of Office Podcast, where we’re opening up about the real moments we’ve felt appreciated at work. Not just through policies, but through people and systems that made us feel cared for.
And while every company approaches this differently, I’ve seen how tools like PaidHR help teams do the little things that matter. From creating clearer payroll experiences to building smoother leave workflows and peer recognition systems. It’s not about replacing empathy, it’s about enabling it at scale.
Meet Our Speakers
On this episode of The Out of Office Pod, we’re joined by two professionals who don’t just talk about workplace benefits; they live and shape them daily.
Dara Ahmed is an API Commercial Expert and Business Development Manager at Interswitch, with past experience at Mono and Nomba. She’s also the founder of the Tech Sales & Partnerships Community (TSPC), where she mentors professionals navigating tech careers. At Interswitch, Dara has experienced firsthand what intentional employer care looks like, from enforced leave policies to a culture that promotes balance and growth. Her insight sits at the intersection of leadership, empathy, and structure.
Joining her is Dapo Awobokun, Industry Lead for Gaming and Entertainment at Paystack. With close to seven years at the company across customer success, partnerships, and strategy, Dapo has seen how thoughtful internal culture translates into external excellence. Whether it’s hosting founder dinners, designing startup programs, or leading GTM strategies, his work is rooted in connection, trust, and long-term thinking.
Together, they bring a deep and personal lens to the conversation on “Benefits Beyond the Basics”, reflecting on the small, consistent things their companies get right, how those shape employee loyalty, and why being seen and cared for at work still matters.
So, whether you’re an HR lead, a team manager, or just someone figuring out how to make work work, this conversation is for you.
Let’s talk about what appreciation really looks like in the Nigerian workplace and how we can build more of it. Click here to select the platform of your choice to listen when episode 1 is out.