Remote Work: Coillte’s ‘Future Working Model’
by Mark Corcoran and Róisín McKane
 
According to social policy officer with ICTU Laura Bambrick, companies across Ireland should be looking to develop policies as soon as possible.
According to social policy officer with ICTU Laura Bambrick, companies across Ireland should be looking to develop policies as soon as possible.

Over eighty-per-cent of Coillte workers would prefer a hybrid approach to work, as we emerge from the pandemic. That’s according to the results of a survey of staff at the State forestry company, published this month.

 

Speaking at the IRN conference earlier this month Coillte’s group HR director Ruth D’alton said the best practice for the company was to work on a hybrid working model. Coillte’s ‘Future Working Model’ for flexible and remote working was presented to the audience highlighting the progress and challenges faced by the company.

 

Survey respondents also indicated that they would still need opportunities to connect with other workers and sought more flexibility about work locations in a way to not hinder career progression and development.  

 

Coillte, in response have decided to implement an ‘anchor day’, whereby all staff will be present in the workplace once a week. The discussion provided helpful insights into the future of remote and blended working, as the Government is expected to publish revised and improved remote working legislation shortly.

 

In a review of their work practices in 2021, Coillte had some interesting findings. They found that, regarding remote work:

  • 55% found it had a positive work-life balance
  • 54% found it had a positive impact on productivity
  • 32% found social interaction a challenge
  • 47% said it had a negative effect on the level of connection with colleagues

Ms. D’alton explained that as a company with over 800 staff it was impossible to please everyone, but from the data provided the best practice for them was to work on a hybrid working model.

 

According to social policy officer with ICTU Laura Bambrick, companies across Ireland should be looking to develop policies as soon as possible.

 

“For the vast majority of employers this is their first experience of a ‘blended’ working arrangement. It is essential that remote working policies exist in companies across the country before any Bill is accepted and published,” she said.

 

Laura said that as we progress in a work dominated by remote or hybrid work the resilience and adaptability of both employers and employees will be tested.

 

“The recommendations from the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment provide an indication on how remote working legislation might develop but it is clear that a ‘one policy fits all’ will not work,” she said.

 

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