The Future of Work: The benefits of Investing in DEI Support

 

The conception of Easyshop Easycook in 2001 was born out of a desire to support working professionals. I, as a soon-to-be-wed working woman, was contemplating the domestic challenges that I may face while balancing a full-time job. My friend and I sat down and discussed the household tasks that women typically manage and how technology could help. As a tech sector professional, I honed in on grocery shopping and conducted research to gauge addressable market size. With my background as a website developer, I built a website and established the company to tackle this challenge. The rest is history.

Over the years, I've explored the difficulties faced by working professionals. This led me to take a course in DEI to better understand the challenges and plan how Easyshop Easycook can effectively respond to them. To us, delivering fresh groceries is more than just providing food, it's about enabling a better lifestyle, strengthening marriages, advancing careers and generating wealth. This has been evident in the families we have supported over the past 20 years. Many of these women have grown from entry managers to top executives such as board chairs, federal ministers, commissioners, business owners, ambassadors and C-suite executives. Today, their grown children are using our service for their own homes, and it's a source of pride for me and a testament to our success.

In today's rapidly evolving business environment, organizations face the challenge of fostering diverse and inclusive workforces. With increasing emphasis on DEI, companies seek ways to support their staff and cultivate a harmonious work environment. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this objective is through investment in DEI support services; which aims to aid companies in establishing a culture of diversity and inclusiveness.

A recent report by McKinsey & Company, a leading management consulting firm, highlights the benefits of gender diversity in the workplace. According to the report, companies with gender-diverse leadership teams have a significantly higher chance of financial success, with a 21% higher likelihood of above-average profitability compared to companies with less gender diversity. Despite this, women remain underrepresented in top executive roles, with only 25% of C-suite positions globally held by women in 2020. The study found that companies with gender-diverse executive teams have a 56% higher operating profit margin, emphasizing the positive impact diversity can have on business performance. Despite progress in some regions, women's representation in senior management remains low, particularly in Africa and Latin America.

These numbers emphasize the significance of gender diversity in the work environment and the advantages that come from promoting diversity and inclusion. While many organizations are striving to increase gender diversity, they face challenges in implementing inclusive practices. Those that have succeeded in this effort have sought assistance from DEI support services to establish Employee Assisted Programs (EAPs) to ensure the success of their inclusion initiatives.

The presence of diversity in the workforce is crucial, but it's just as important to implement supportive structures that address the unique needs of employees. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) play a crucial role in this. EAPs aim to provide employees with the resources they need to tackle challenges that impact their work performance. This can include resources for work-life balance, mental health and wellness, financial support, legal assistance, substance abuse and addiction support, career development, health and wellness, stress management and family support.

By offering access to EAPs, companies can foster a sense of belonging and appreciation among employees. Providing employees with resources to tackle challenges they face helps retain talent and demonstrate that their wellbeing is a priority. Implementing these support services is a key aspect of creating an inclusive workplace.

At Easyshop Easycook, we offer a comprehensive lifestyle management program known as the 

Employee Support Package (ESP) to corporate organizations. ESP provides employees with a variety of work-life balance resources that take care of everyday responsibilities and help them perform at their best in the workplace. It includes services such as shopping, nanny care, creche, laundry, gardening and more. Additionally, we've also customized ESP into Estate Support Package (ESP) for facility management companies serving high net worth residents in Lagos, and a Customer Support Package (CSP) for banks to acquire and retain high net worth customers.

Investment in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) support services is vital for companies looking to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive work atmosphere. At Easyshop Easycook, we have witnessed the beneficial outcomes of these services on our customers for about 20 years. By providing employees with the necessary support to succeed in a diverse workplace, companies can foster a more positive and productive work environment. Our customers especially women have achieved great strides in their careers, shattered barriers, pursued political careers, balanced work and parenthood, and challenged stereotypes, all thanks to the lifestyle support services they received. Today, companies that have implemented these crucial steps in their organizations are seeing the rewards.

 

 

 

 

Tackling Food Waste in Nigeria with E-commerce

Nigeria, a land of vibrant culture and rich history, is facing a major problem of food waste. Despite the fact that tons of food go to waste daily, many people still struggle to access food. However, there is a solution that can tackle this issue and save money for all. 

Online grocery delivery companies, such as Easyshop Easycook and other e-commerce businesses, are leading the fight against food waste. These companies provide a platform for fresh food to be delivered directly from the farm to the table, saving produce from being wasted on the farms or in wholesale markets due to infrastructure challenges like bad roads, lack of storage facilities and affordable cold chain vehicles. 

These delivery companies use various platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and social media, to connect farmers with consumers. They not only tackle food waste but also create jobs, empower people, add value, and create wealth through e-commerce. Small business owners who source directly from farmers have also become processors or manufacturers, eliminating food adulteration and offering easy-to-cook local foods. 

Food waste is a major challenge in the agriculture supply chain in many African countries. Although the number of businesses in this sector is increasing, they face infrastructure challenges that make operating expensive. Addressing this requires government intervention, community involvement, and a collective effort. 

E-commerce can play a significant role in reducing food waste by improving supply chain efficiency and reducing the amount of surplus food that goes to waste. One way e-commerce can do this is by connecting producers with consumers in real-time, allowing for more accurate forecasting of demand and reducing the amount of produce that is over-grown and goes unsold. This helps to ensure that food is produced and sold in a timely manner, reducing the risk of spoilage and waste.

Furthermore, e-commerce companies can play a role in reducing food waste by promoting more sustainable and conscious consumer behavior. For example, some e-commerce companies like Easyshop Easycook offer customers the option to purchase products in bulk, reducing packaging waste and allowing customers to only purchase what they need, reducing the amount of food that is wasted at the household level. E-commerce can also help to promote food waste reduction by making it easier for consumers to access surplus food from farmers and food producers, reducing the amount of food that is left unsold and ultimately discarded.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), up to 30% of food produced in Africa is lost due to inadequate storage, transportation, and marketing systems. By providing farmers with access to new markets and reducing food waste, e-commerce has the potential to increase the availability of food and improve food security in Africa.

As Nigeria takes advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, it is crucial to recognize the role of the fresh grocery delivery companies in the agricultural value chain. Supporting them is vital to reducing food waste, creating wealth, and ensuring the success of the agreement. Whether small or big, these companies are essential to a thriving agriculture industry and must be supported to succeed.

Partnering for Prosperity: Boosting Your Home Business with Spousal Help

As a new entrepreneur with a baby on the way and newlywed, I launched www.easyshopeasycook.com, a home-based delivery service e-commerce company. The work-from-home setup was ideal for balancing my business and domestic responsibilities, but I quickly realized that managing multiple roles could lead to stress. That's when I appreciated the significance of my spouse's support. His involvement was crucial in ensuring both the success of my business and our marriage. In this article, I'll highlight the key ways my spouse helped and how his support impacted my success.

Emotional support was crucial when I started Easyshop Easycook. Initially, I only had a vague idea of what I was doing but I believed I started the business to help working women buy fresh groceries. However, I quickly learned that the systems for sourcing, processing, and delivering were not in place. Each day brought new challenges, but my spouse's daily encouragement helped me overcome my doubts and stay motivated. Although he had no prior experience in starting a business, his reassuring words provided the emotional support I needed.

Assisting with tasks: My background is in website development, so I had limited knowledge in bookkeeping and accounting. Nonetheless, I knew that keeping accurate records was essential for the success of my business. My spouse, a chartered accountant, provided valuable assistance in this area. He gave me a template to use during the day and reviewed it each evening when he returns from his own workplace. His support was crucial in ensuring the implementation of proper corporate governance principles and tax compliance from the start, which I am very thankful for. I emphasize the importance of bookkeeping in my entrepreneurship classes, and my spouse sometimes joins and adds humor about our early days. Although, don't take everything he says too seriously.

Offering constructive feedback: Entrepreneurship can be a solitary journey, especially for a pioneer business like mine, with no mentors to turn to in the early days as people thought I was crazy. However, my spouse was a supportive partner who understood my vision. As I put into practice what I learned from my research and training programs, he was available to offer constructive feedback.

Unique Skills and Perspective: I often share with my mentees and students that your spouse's skills are a valuable extension to yours and can benefit your business at no cost. My spouse, a chartered accountant, brings a wealth of experience from working in technology, dredging and waste management industries, providing valuable perspectives for me. His diverse skills and background played a crucial role in strengthening my business in the early stages and made us appealing to angel investors.

Shared workload: As Easyshop Easycook is a service aimed at supporting working men and women, I didn't want to neglect my own household while helping others maintain theirs. My spouse and I divided domestic responsibilities and decided to hire staff and other support services for assistance where needed. I also acquired a personal driver and we planned school activities around my business schedule. This allowed me to balance my roles as a spouse, mother, and business owner and be productive in all areas.

Shared financial responsibility: Starting a business can be financially draining, when you have a supportive spouse and you open up your business to him/her, this becomes easier to manage. From pooling resources together to designing fund raising slides. My husband had over 20 different cashflow projections of my business. I will design the pitch deck based on the target sum and he will create a cashflow sheet for my deck. Very early on in the business, I was able to separate personal funds from business funds because of his influence. 

Collaborating with your spouse is crucial for success in a home-based business. A supportive spouse made a big impact on my success as a working woman. Without their understanding, encouragement, constructive feedback, social connections, financial management, and unconditional love, I wouldn't have been able to balance the multiple roles I play effectively.

Starting a Home Business? Watch Out for These 10 Challenges

Early beginnings of Easyshop Easycook

Starting a home business can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially for a stay-at-home-mum who also wants to earn her own income while choosing to stay home to care for her children but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From cash flow to managing finances to maintaining a work-life balance, running a home business requires a unique set of skills and a lot of hard work. 

I started www.easyshopeasycook.com as a home business immediately after I got married, moved out after about 5 years to a bigger office space and we’ve been opened for almost 20years. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the top 10 challenges that I faced when I started my business and look at practical tips on how I over came them which you can learn from. It does not matter if you are just starting out or have been running your business for a while, this information will help you navigate the ups and downs of being your own boss so that you can stay in business and scale when you are ready.

Managing finances and cash flow

Effective financial management is crucial for business success. I established a dedicated budget, separate business bank account and tracked expenses daily using spreadsheet and notebook. I also made sure to pay back loans promptly to establish a reputation as a responsible borrower, which helped me secure first angel investors.

Maintaining work-life balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for both your personal well-being and your professional success. Working from home can be demanding, and it's important to take regular breaks and find ways to recharge. As a busy mother, wife, and business owner, I understand the challenges of balancing multiple responsibilities. However, I made sure to make time for myself, including scheduling 1 hour of exercise 5 days a week and actively seeking out social and recreational activities that bring me joy. On the other hand, it's also important to set boundaries and stay disciplined to avoid getting caught in a cycle of laziness. Achieving balance requires discipline and self-care, but it's worth the effort to maintain a healthy balance in all aspects of life.

Staying organized and productive

Staying organized and productive is crucial for remote work success. One strategy is to create a dedicated work area in your home, set a consistent routine, such as a "commute" time, and create a daily to-do list. Establishing clear boundaries with friends and family can also help, by letting them know your work hours and not allowing unnecessary visits during that time. Additionally, treating yourself as if you were in an office environment, such as getting dressed and ready for the day, can help you mentally prepare for work and stay focused on tasks. By implementing these simple strategies, you'll be able to stay organized and productive, even when working from home.

Finding and retaining customers

Acquiring and retaining customers is crucial for the success of any business. As a home-based entrepreneur, it can be challenging to find and connect with potential customers. To overcome this, I leveraged my personal network by enlisting the help of my sister, husband, and friends to introduce my business, www.easyshopeasycook.com , to their contacts. By targeting working individuals who would benefit from my grocery support services, I was able to find my target market. Today, social media provides a powerful tool for building online communities and reaching new customers. However, it's also important to remember that retaining existing customers is just as important as acquiring new ones. Providing high-quality service and keeping promises is key to customer retention and ultimately, the growth of the business.

Marketing and advertising

Marketing and advertising are essential for any business, regardless of size or location. As a small business operating from home, you may have a limited budget for these efforts, but that doesn't mean you can't make an impact. Utilize the vast array of inexpensive advertising packages available on various social media platforms, and take advantage of free design template apps to create professional-looking marketing materials. Do your research, watch tutorials and study the strategies of established businesses in your field. By learning from their successes and finding ways to differentiate yourself, you can effectively market and advertise your business, even with a limited budget.

Dealing with legal and compliance issues

Dealing with legal and compliance issues is a critical aspect of running a business. When starting my business, www.easyshopeasycook.com , a food logistics company, I registered my business name and opened a bank account. It is important to stay informed about the regulations that apply to your business, such as licenses, taxes, and certifications. For a food logistics company, it is essential to maintain food safety training and certifications. I also made sure to stay compliant with all necessary taxes and licenses, and to plan for the scaling of the business. As a small business owner, it is important to take legal and compliance issues seriously, and to seek out free legal services that may be available for your line of business. This will help you stay compliant and avoid any legal issues that might arise in the future.

Building a professional network

Building a professional network is a vital component of business success. Early on in my business, I recognized the importance of surrounding myself with like-minded individuals in order to stay focused and grow quickly. To achieve this, I joined www.wimbiz.org, an association of women in business, management and public service. Through this organization, I was able to connect with peers, share industry insights, and market my services. The association also provided me with access to various programs that helped me improve my business management skills and form new connections. Over the last 10 years, I also joined other organizations such as NASME, NBCC, AWEC, LCCI among others. Joining these groups has been a great way to expand my professional network and gain valuable insights into my industry.

Staying current with industry trends

Staying current with industry trends is crucial for staying competitive in today's business landscape. Joining industry associations can be a great way to stay informed about the latest developments in your field, many of which now offer online platforms such as WhatsApp or Telegram groups where members can share news and insights. To maximize the benefits of these associations, I recommend actively participating and contributing your time and talents. This will not only help you build valuable connections, but it may also open up opportunities such as training, grants, and small loans that are only available to members. As a home-based business owner, it's essential to position yourself as a small business and take advantage of all the resources available to you in your industry.

Managing and motivating employees

Managing and motivating employees is essential for business growth. As a start-up, I had to be mindful of my budget and found creative ways to attract and retain staff. I identified the areas where I needed the most help, such as cleaning and prepping groceries for our www.easyshopeasycook.com customers, and recruited high school leavers who lived nearby. As the business grew, I was able to offer part-time college programs to interested staff members. It was important to have clear and simple standard operating procedures in place to ensure consistent and high-quality service to customers, despite our being a small, home-based business. By focusing on clear communication, education and development opportunities, I was able to attract and retain motivated staff members.

Securing funding and investment

As a home-based business, your initial investment should come from your own savings. This demonstrates your commitment to the business and makes it easier to secure funding from family and friends. Keep detailed records and take your venture seriously. This initial period is a crucial proof-of-concept phase, during which you can test and refine your business model. Once you are confident that your business is ready to expand, consider seeking out small grants and angel investors to help fuel growth. Remember that capital is the lifeblood of any business, and educate yourself about the different types of funding available to make informed decisions for your business.

Starting a home business is challenging but with perseverance and the right strategies, you can overcome any obstacle. Stay organized, motivated, and focused on your goals. Success takes time and effort but with dedication, you can turn your home business into a thriving enterprise. Don’t build alone, it is important you involve your spouse and children from the beginning so they can understand how to help achieve success. Stay positive, keep moving forward and you'll get there.

Graduation of 50 women participants from her Personal Home Shopping Business (PHSB) workshop

Cross Section of some graduates on Graduation Day

Mrs. Saudat Salami the founder of Easyshop Easycook Services Ltd, the foremost online fresh groceries delivery company in Nigeria just graduated another class of 50 women participants from her Personal Home Shopping Business (PHSB) workshop which includes 6 months mentoring program.

Toun Tade – President USIVLP Alumni

This program which was partly sponsored by the US Consulate General Office in Lagos targeted 50 Stay-At-Home-Mums (aged 23 - 40) within Lagos state and trained them in a 2-day workshop on various topics including business management, basic accounting skills, food safety awareness, digital marketing, access to finance, supply chain management, e-commerce tools, psychosocial support and 6 months mentorship. The aim of this program is to help the women

Mrs. Jennifer Foltz – Dep. Public Afairs Officer

in setting up and growing their own food related home business, linking them to finance so they can grow, be financially independent and create more jobs.  

PHSB is a women empowerment initiative of Mrs. Saudat Salami which she started in 2019. It has since trained about 300 women around Africa in virtual and in-person workshops.

Cross Section of some mentors and speakers on Graduation Day

 

Cross section of participants at the graduation with NAFDAC certified products

PHSB Workshop - Cohort 3 - Technology and E-commerce Training

 

Personal Home Shopping Business workshop organized by Mrs. Saudat Salami and majorly sponsored by US Consulate Generals office in Nigeria. Held on November 6 and 7, 2020 at LCCI Ikeja.

Technology and E-commerce training facilitated by Ms. Ojuolape Arojo founder of Applecartng.com is taking the class at the Personal Home Shopping Business Workshop for Stay-at-home-mums

Ms. Ojuolape Arojo and Mrs. Saudat Salami

 

Ms. Arojo and some participants during training

  

Cross section of participants

Cross section of participants

  

PHSB Workshop for Stay-at-home-mums

Workshop on Personal Home Shopping Business for stay-at-home-mums .

Cohort 3 is majorly sponsored by The United States Consulate Office in Nigeria, @natnupreneur and @easyshopltd 

50 women broken into two batches will be trained, empowered and mentored for 6 months to start their own business in the food sector and take it online. 

This batch has 26 women who are interested in various businesses including Food packaging, Market Errands/Grocery Delivery, Catering, Juice making, Supermarket etc.

Special guest - Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, Ms. Toun Tade (President USIVLP Alumni), Mrs. Idowu Aikulola (Rep. US Consulate General Office in Nigeria) and Mrs. Saudat Salami (Organizer)

Organizer Mrs. Saudat Salami, Special guest - Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, Ms. Toun Tade (President USIVLP Alumni), Mrs. Funsho Alabi (Rep. LSETF) and Mrs. Idowu Aikulola (rep. US Consulate Gen. Office in Nigeria)

Pictures with Natnudo Chicken representatives, Mrs. Saudat Salami and the participants wearing the Natnudo branded Apron

Pictures with Mrs. Saudat Salami and the participants wearing the workshop's branded T-shirt