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My Story: PwC’s Flexible Work Approach - A Personal Reflection with Ex-Pwc Friend.
It’s just another lively morning in Dar Es Salaam, a city that never sleeps, bustling with over 7 million people eager to embrace the day’s challenges. As I was getting ready to head out for a client meeting, fate led me to join a friend on a unique journey to different destinations that shared a common purpose. My friend is a remarkable professional, who previously worked with the prestigious global consulting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Her journey from university straight into PwC after completing her engineering studies almost seven years ago at the University of Dar Es Salaam intrigued me.
During our conversation, with her expertly navigating the city’s streets, I was struck by how PwC stands out when it comes to nurturing employee growth and its distinctive approach to workplace policies.
The first revelation that left me astounded was PwC's policy of flexible working hours. Employees could shape their own schedules, as long as they devoted 7.5 hours to their tasks. This approach was unlike anything I'd experienced in my previous jobs, where rigid hours were the norm. PwC understands that productivity isn't always about the hours spent in the office.
The challenge with most organizations or companies lies in equating work hours with productivity. While this theory might hold true in some places, it's not always the case that more hours worked equate to higher productivity. PwC's approach, however, depends largely on the skill, productivity, and intelligence of the workforce. Not every company can successfully implement a "come anytime" policy. It demands the right technology and self-motivated, disciplined individuals who can self-lead without constant supervision. I recalled a major company in our country attempting a similar policy only to revert to traditional work hours due to rampant unproductivity, costing the company dearly. The key takeaway here is that flexible work hours require the right team—self-motivated and intelligent individuals.
Another aspect that drew my attention was PwC's commitment to empowering its employees' career growth. At PwC, growth isn't just a buzzword; it's a top priority. The company boasts effective programs that genuinely facilitate professional development…
