A recent survey has shown that 95% of workers now favour some form of remote working, with fewer than 5% wanting a full-time return to the office.
The Second Annual National Remote Working Survey gathered over 6,400 respondents from both the public and private sectors near NUI Galway and the Western Development Commission.
Over the last year, the number of people who are in favour of working solely from home has almost tripled when compared to the 2020 figure. 32% of people would prefer to work from home for good, an increase of 12% from last year.
In terms of the other findings, here are some interesting insights into the current feelings towards Ireland's work culture.
- 75% of companies are unsure how their teams will function when the pandemic ends.
- Of the 25% who have decided, 78% of these companies will operate a hybrid working model.
- On this hybrid model, 36% will expect employees to be on-site for two days a week, with 23% demanding a presence three days a week.
Given the massive changes that people have experienced when it comes to being indoors and correct healthcare protocols, the survey also had some interesting insights about office space management when the pandemic ends.
49% of respondents believe that every employee will have a desk, 35% believe there will be shared or "hot desks" introduced, while 12% favour a "collaborating space" but no individual desks.
Only 4% of those surveyed believe that offices will be completely obsolete and unused, with businesses and employees working completely from home.
In terms of location, 8.2% of respondents have relocated within Ireland now because they're allowed to work remotely, with 0.3% moving outside Ireland.
In terms of the benefits for working remotely, greater flexibility, an easier life, increased productivity and a reduction in work-related stress were cited.
The survey also had some interesting findings in terms of the managerial attitude to work and the pandemic, with 2,100 managers also asked about the pandemic and how it affected their work.
- 44% said it was more difficult to manage teams remotely
12% felt there was a negative impact on productivity.
- 47% of managers said there was no difference between a face-to-face and remote environment
- 9% believe remote working makes their management job easier
In terms of managerial issues that remote working has created, onboarding and recruiting staff (21%), the ability to "read the room" on certain topics (17%) and navigating more complex issues (14%) rated highly.
With regards to employees, the majority are in favour of three days per week away from the office with three in every five workers choosing to work remotely from their own home.
Less than 5% of those surveyed would like to see remote working gone for good, preferring a full-time return to the office.
In the event that office life returns, the survey also shows some concerns among employees about resuming on-site work.
51% of people said they were working more hours remotely than on-site - 45% said they work the same hours, with 4% saying their work hours have dropped.
22% believe that working remotely could harm their chances for promotion, while 36% took the other view.
