38% of employers mandating employee presence in 2024
38% of Irish employers will require their employees physical presence more in the office in 2024, but 58% of employers anticipate that their current hybrid working arrangements will stay in place in the coming year.
The data was made available from a new report by recruitment specialist, Hays Ireland, with the report identifying a related trend amongst employees, with 54% expressing a willingness to consider future jobs even if it doesn’t offer hybrid working options, which indicates employee sentiment toward officebased work.
Currently in the workplace, the research found that 44% of employees work fully from the office, while 41% follow a hybrid model. Employers vary in their expectations, with 27% mandating three days of physical presence, 20% requiring a minimum of two days in the office and 23% offering full flexibility in choosing remote or office work.
The survey, published as part of the Hays Ireland Salary & Recruiting Trends Guide 2024, received over 1,450 responses from employers and professionals across Ireland between August and September 2023.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
The report also found a growing emphasis on the importance of flexible working hours for employees seeking to strike a healthy work-life balance. 48% of employees expressed concern regarding their working hours and hoped for a change to enhance their work-life balance.
Additionally, 61% of employees said they would not be willing to accept a lower salary for a fully remote role, underlining the importance they place on the benefits of a flexible work arrangement.
54% of respondents expressed openness to considering future job opportunities without hybrid working.
‘POSITIVE YEAR OF GROWTH’
Maureen Lynch, managing director at Hays Ireland said: “As employees preferences shift, we see employers adapting their approaches to workplace setups. The report emphasises the significance of a healthy work-life balance and fostering in-person collaboration within teams.
“The 2024 Hays Salary & Recruiting Trends Guide reflects a sense of optimism in the job market and reflects that the past year has been a positive year of growth in Ireland. Our survey has shown that most employers are actively collaborating with their employees to enhance the workplace experience for everyone, highlighting the commitment by employers to create a better working environment.”