The last word Christmas wishlist for Nigerian tech employees

Let’s be trustworthy: the lifetime of a Nigerian tech employee is a grind. You’re constructing world-class merchandise whereas juggling unreliable energy, sluggish web, and infinite requests. When these tight deadlines hit and the lights exit, a normal reward basket simply gained’t reduce it. After a yr spent coding, scaling, and surviving, the reward must be greater than a easy break. It ought to be a strategic funding in consolation, productiveness, and, frankly, survival.

The vacations are lastly right here, and as an alternative of guessing, we went straight to the supply. We spoke to 22 Nigerian tech employees, together with product designers, software program engineers, information professionals, and founders. We requested them what they actually need this season. Right here is the final word TechCabal-approved vacation reward information.

The sanctuary of sound: audio & noise cancellation

For these whose work calls for intense focus, the reward of silence is arguably one of many best luxuries. The power to create a private auditory bubble is non-negotiable for anybody in deep work.

This want for peace is extensively shared. Software program engineer Frank Owobu and Robotic Course of Automation Developer Emediong Usanga each listed noise-cancelling headsets as prime gadgets on their want lists, demonstrating that the flexibility to listen to oneself assume merely is a high-impact every day luxurious.

Bukola Abati, a product intern at Massive Cabal Media, places the premium on headphones, particularly the AirPod Max, as a result of the “noise cancellation is simply excellent for taking programs, zoning out while you’re deep in documentation or analysis. And sure, music.” 

Ergonomic gadgets

Hours spent at a keyboard demand an funding within the physique. The small, considerate gadgets that make a workstation much less punishing are treats that pay dividends in productiveness and well being.

Software program engineer Biliqis Onikoyi requested a “Thumb sock to guard my thumbs,” a micro-comfort for a extremely strained physique half amongst many tech professionals. 

Equally, Martins Adegboyega, an internet designer, listed a full suite of supportive gadgets: anti-glare glasses, ergonomic chairs, and an ergonomic mouse. 

Stephen Akinola, a full-stack software program engineer, listed the LiberNovo Omni Dynamic Ergonomic chair and Sihoo Doro C300 professional, noting it “will assist me be extra comfy whereas working, therefore larger productiveness.” 

Devices

Tech professionals are additionally always in search of gadgets that bridge work and life, permitting for immediate creation and consumption with out the heft of a laptop computer.

Because of this the Apple iPad Professional is a extremely coveted merchandise. Chioma Nwandiko, a product designer, needs an iPad Professional, “as a result of I hate having to hold my laptop computer [around].” 

Software program engineer Pelumi Shonowo says he needs a conveyable monitor, a multi-port dongle, and an influence financial institution.

Mayo Obadofin, a challenge supervisor, particularly requested the M5 11-inch mannequin, stating she wants “one system that may deal with every little thing like planning my life, ignoring my life, watching issues, journaling, and pretending I’m a creative prodigy.” 

For capturing life’s moments with out being anchored to a cellphone, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 Good Glasses are an ideal deal with. Obadofin requested these as properly, saying, “I wish to dwell within the second and document stuff with out wanting like I’m livestreaming 24/7. With these glasses, I gained’t miss something good.”

Mental fortifications: Subscriptions and studying

The true luxurious for a tech employee is time and entry to data. Presents that gasoline steady studying and supply shortcuts to productiveness are an funding of their future.

Entry to high quality training is a prime precedence. Omeiza Owuda, a software program engineer, needs an annual instructional subscription to grasp in-demand expertise reminiscent of System Design and Machine Studying. 

The reward of highly effective software program can be important. Senior product supervisor Chioma Nwandiko and software program engineer Frank Owobu each requested for “a yr’s price of subscription for my apps,” together with OpenAI, Netflix, Canva, Google LLM, and YT music. 

Tobi Omole, Head of Construct & Deploy at Xown Options, regarded even additional afield, requesting a Harvard Enterprise College On-line course for administration, displaying that investing in formal high-value coaching is an final reward. 

Software program engineer Biliqis Onikoyi needs a whiteboard and marker “to assist observe every day targets in a extra environment friendly method” and draw maps round concepts.

Escape: play, hobbies, and relaxation

The tech employees we spoke to know that the perfect productiveness hack is a complete break. 

The basic gaming console stays a preferred alternative. Product designer RoseMary Emenike and Frontend Engineer Allwell Onen each listed a PS5 and gaming equipment. Onen additionally needs an electrical bicycle “solely as a result of it’s cool stuff to have.” 

For a interest that takes them distant from the desk, cellular and full-stack engineer Femi Adeniji needs a DJI digital camera drone, including, “I’ve been fairly fascinated with how they work.”

Finally, probably the most profound want for a lot of is pure relaxation. Product marketer Iyanu Hunye wished for “a automotive, numerous cash, and a dollar-paying job,” and software program developer intern Priscilla Fadayini wants: “a trip journey to clear my head. That method I’ll be properly rested and extra productive afterwards.” 

Former HR supervisor at software program high quality associate firm Assurdly, Ola-Thomas Gabriella, who used to curate Christmas items for tech staff, suggests therapeutic massage/spa reward playing cards, routers/MiFi, and snacks as necessities for Christmas packages. 

This wishlist proves that the perfect reward isn’t essentially the costliest one, however one which immediately addresses a ache level. The underlying worth of the reward merchandise stays the identical, and it’s an acknowledgement of the demanding yr for tech professionals. So, as you start or wrap up your purchasing, bear in mind to get one thing that reveals you see and respect the continual hustle that comes with working within the Nigerian tech ecosystem.