businessplus.ie reports that a recent survey conducted by Hays Ireland reveals just how important flexible working arrangements have become, with 75% of professionals open to changing jobs for a 9-day fortnight. Over half (51%) would consider a new role for a 4-day week.
The research polled 1,600 employees and employers about preferences following the pandemic’s shift to remote work.
56% of employers expect a greater office presence in the next 12 months seeking to transition away from remote working in favour of a return to the office. To entice staff back, companies are investing in upgraded tech (49%), bike facilities (49%), childcare (30-20%), pet-friendly policies (25%), catered meals (51%), and travel subsidies (41%).
But flexibility remains key. Employees have experienced the benefits of remote work and are now reassessing priorities. The data indicates companies must embrace new models to retain and attract talent.
Rather than forcing a full return to rigid office-based work, enabling options like hybrid schedules and 4-day weeks appears pivotal. The post-pandemic workforce values autonomy and work-life balance.
Maureen Lynch, managing director at Hays Ireland, comments: “In recent years, we have seen unprecedented change in how we work and our expectations of the traditional workplace. Much of this change was brought on by Covid restrictions. However, it has since prompted a deeper conversation in relation to the how employers and employees perceive the traditional office environment and the nine-to-five working day.
“Our research suggests this conversation is still in its infancy. Employees favour greater autonomy relating to the hours they work and where they work from. Employers, for their part, recognise the many benefits of remote and hybrid working but have also identified certain challenges.
“In recent days, Zoom made headlines by calling its staff back to the office, at least on a hybrid basis. However, others have taken a less explicit approach and have looked to attract staff back to the office via incentives including onsite childcare, subsidised meals and travel, and even bring your pet to work policies.
“The concept of a four-day working week has gained momentum in the last 12 months. The latest iteration of this concept is the nine-day working fortnight, which would allow employees to take off every second Friday. This is obviously an exciting prospect for many professionals and may be more palatable to employers. However, our research suggests employers and employees are still grappling with what this would look like in practice and which sectors would be most suited to this new way of working. Either way, it is positive that these questions are being asked and that old ways of working are now being challenged.”
Recruit.ie is a specialist recruitment consultancy and event organiser. We operate major recruitment fairs, online virtual recruitment events, the Tech Careers Expo, and Biz Expo Ireland.
Download the Recruit.ie app now and take control of your future career!
Recruit.ie also has hundreds of jobs advertised here.