Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has shared pictures inside his new home office as he signalled the government would continue to encourage remote working int he future.
Mr Varadkar took to social media to show him setting up his new work station from his home just as countless workers have done across Ireland in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
And the Tanaiste said the government hopes to continue promoting remote working not only as a way to curb the spread of Covid-19 but to also reduce carbon emissions and traffic on congested Irish roads.
Sharing a picture on Twitter, Mr Varadkar said: "Setting up my new home working station. The Govt wants remote working to become part of the new normal.
"If done right, the benefits will be huge; reduced business costs, better work-life balance especially for parents, less traffic, lower emissions & time saved on the commute.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment also added that his department has now set up a public consultation to gauge how people have managed working from home as the government moves to shape public policy on the issue.
The government’s public consultation on remote working is welcomed but should not be seen as a “silver bullet,” the Labour Party has said.
Labour Spokesperson on Employment Affairs Senator Marie Sherlock said working from home can be a “nightmare” for renters and said new guidelines should include examining how current laws can be changed to benefit workers.
Liz Canavan, Assistant Secretary for the Department of the Taoiseach said that much has changed since the initial guidelines were published for working remotely during Covid-19 and the government now wants to hear further from employers and employees.
However, Ms Sherlock said: “It is undoubtedly true that remote working has saved thousands of jobs by allowing sectors of the economy to remain open during the Covid-19 crisis.
“However, we must not allow ourselves to be led into thinking it is a silver bullet, but a rather useful measure in allowing workers greater flexibility.
“Remote working can surely contribute to a better work-life balance, by allowing workers to balance childcare and family commitments with their work obligations.
“However, it is hugely problematic for those who don’t have the appropriate space in their homes and it can be a nightmare for those renting a house with others.
“Furthermore, the move towards greater levels of remote working in the Irish labour market could have serious consequences for young workers and those hoping to enter the labour force.”
Ms Sherlock said the legislation governing flexible working arrangements needs to be reviewed in order to “rebalance the relationship between the employer and employee.”
She said issues such as the right to disconnect must feature in any legislative response, as well as ensuring that employers bear the responsibility and cost to provide equipment if necessary.
The closing date for submissions on the public consultation is August 7, 2020.
