A third of workers would move jobs if there were not able to access remote and flexible work, a new national remote working survey has revealed. It also found 33% of workers indicating that they’d change jobs even if it meant a pay cut or fewer promotion opportunities.

While more than half of respondents had never worked remotely before the pandemic, almost 80% agreed that working remotely made their job easier, while some 95% agreed that working remotely made their life easier.

Almost half said they believed remote working had no impact on opportunities for promotion.

Researchers from the Whitaker Institute at NUI Galway and the Western Development Commission carried out the survey and gathered responses on experience of remote working from more than 8,400 employees.

Their study revealed almost one-third of respondents have changed employer since 2020. Of those, 47% indicated that remote working was a key factor in their decision as their new employer offered better opportunities in this area.

However, almost half of all respondents said they clocked more hours while remote working, compared to working on-site, further proving the need for safeguards and right to disconnect for workers.

Unions have argued that remote working can play a major role in achieving balanced regional development. At a time when there are labour market shortages, remote working can help companies attract and retain talent.

Western Development Commission chief executive Tomás Ó Síocháin said the findings highlighted “a further change in the way we view remote working” and indicated that Irish workers expect to continue working remotely either all of the time or to find a balance in line with their lifestyle.

“Leaders will now be challenged to look at ways of supporting their staff and find that balance to avoid retention issues,” he said.

The survey also showed a shift in employer preferences on working patterns. Half the respondents said their organisation has confirmed how they will work in the future. Of the organisations that have confirmed their future working patterns, 61% of respondents indicated that they will work hybrid while 30% will work completely remotely and just 9% will work fully on-site.

Get the survey results HERE.

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