Just over half of Irish businesses to adopt remote working

Research on industry sentiment following a year of Covid-19 restrictions was carried out by CIPD Ireland, in conjunction with the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick.

The survey of more than 400 members of the Irish HR sector found 51 per cent of businesses are planning to maintain a model that involves working from home post-pandemic.

Over three quarters (77 per cent) of those surveyed said they intend to adopt a blend of remote and on-site working in the long-term.

The vast majority of respondents also agreed that workers should have the right to request flexible working (78 per cent) and the right to request remote working (76 per cent).

Mary Connaughton, Director of CIPD Ireland said the results of the survey reflect what her team has heard from members since last March.

“The levels of resourcefulness and agility displayed by Irish business and workers since this time last year could never have been anticipated.

“The determination to protect jobs and businesses has been truly inspirational and it’s worth reflecting on at this stage.

“As we emerge from what we hope has been the worst phase of the pandemic, we see the potential for creating a long-term working environment designed to find an effective balance between well-being and productivity, to the benefit of workers and enterprise”.