DUBLIN, June 13, 2022 – Flexible work has become an important policy for both the attraction and retention of employees in Ireland and many employees want their employers to facilitate more opportunities to work remotely, according to according to WTW’s latest Remote Working research. Over half (53%) of respondents declared a preference for remote or hybrid working, of which 31% of respondents prefer remote working as opposed to on-site and 22% favour a hybrid arrangement with a mix of onsite and remote working.
The importance of remote working arrangements has come to the fore due to a change in work patterns fuelled by the pandemic. Only 11% of employees in Ireland ‘always’ or ‘mostly’ worked remotely prior to the pandemic versus 29% that currently do so, which suggests a fundamental change in working patterns and preferences for work in the future.
Working remotely is a mixed experience for employees. Positively, 74% of employees say that working remotely helps them to achieve a better work-life balance. For example, a majority of men with younger children (81%) experience the largest improvement in work-life balance due to remote working. However, many employees in Ireland have concerns around disconnection, with 3 in 5 employees (62%) feeling more disconnected from work colleagues while working remotely. Younger workers at the start of their career are most likely to be concerned: 78% of Gen Z (21 – 27 years of age) feel disconnected when working remotely compared to 67% of Gen Y (28 – 41 years of age) and 47% of Gen X (42 - 56 years of age).
Commenting on the research, Sarah McDonough, Employee Experience Leader, UK & Ireland at WTW said, “Remote work is an important factor to consider for both the attraction and retention of talent in Ireland. Where there is limited opportunity to choose between working remotely or on-site, this can lead to reduced engagement and ultimately drive attrition. Implementing flexible working arrangements has become an important aspect of an evolved employee experience, particularly when 3 in 5 employees in Ireland can do at least some work remotely. Companies that do not offer remote working opportunities may find it more difficult to recruit and retain staff and we believe it must be considered as a standard offering in recruitment and rewards strategies by Irish companies.”
“An important learning from this survey is that some employees in Ireland feel a disconnection from work colleagues while working remotely. Addressing this concern will be critical for companies.”
Sarah McDonoough | Employee Experience Leader, UK & Ireland
“An important learning from this survey is that some employees in Ireland feel a disconnection from work colleagues while working remotely. Addressing this concern will be critical for companies in the coming years and points to the importance of effective employee engagement and creating opportunities for colleagues working remotely to connect and collaborate. It demands new ways of thinking from both employers and employees. Employers need to ensure that all employees, regardless of location, have the resources and the work environment which allows them to be productive.”
This survey also found that for some employees in Ireland there are heightened concerns around career development opportunities while remote working. 49% of employees worry that working remotely will have a negative impact on career development opportunities. Furthermore, 60% of those belonging to an ethnic minority feel that working remotely will have a negative impact on their career development compared to 47% of those who do not belong to an ethnic minority.
“It is important that companies in Ireland ensure that they have a structured career development programme that facilitates both office-based and remote workers.”
Sarah McDonoough | Employee Experience Leader, UK & Ireland
Sarah McDonough said, “It is important that companies in Ireland ensure that they have a structured career development programme that facilitates both office-based and remote workers. Communicate regularly and clearly with employees on their career development path and ensure systems are in place to provide equal opportunities for all employees regardless of location.
“On a positive note, our experience working with Irish companies is that many recognize that flexible work is an important part of the employee experience and that implementing flexible work models involves a cultural change that requires different ways of working, collaborating and leading. Now is the time for employers to rethink all aspects of how work gets done, how they support their employees working remotely and indeed the role of the workplace itself.”
WTW’s 2022 Attraction & Retention research was conducted during December 2021 and January 2022 as part of the wider Global Benefits Attitudes Survey. Respondents include 828 employees in Ireland from large and midsize private employers, representing a broad range of industries
