Home work is here to stay

Four out of five people would prefer to work from home – at least for part of the week – even after the Covid-19 pandemic is over.

That’s according to a new survey carried out by researchers from the Whitaker Institute at NUIG and the Western Development Commission, wich found that 83% of respondents would like to continue working from home  – with that figure for remote working higher in the west and midlands.

Of that 83%, 12% indicated they would like to work remotely on a daily basis; 42% indicated they would like to work remotely several times a week; 29% indicated they would like to work remotely several times a month and 16% indicated they do not want to continue working remotely.

The survey, which was carried out nationally among 7,241 respondents, found that just over half (51%) had never worked remotely before the Covid-19 pandemic.

But of those who had never worked remotely, 78% would like to work remotely for some or all of the time after the crisis is over.

These are the initial findings from the national survey of individuals across a wide range of industries and sectors over a one-week week period in April-May.

Professor Alma McCarthy said the survey has shown that employers need to change their mindset.

“The findings of our survey indicate that employee preferences to continue working remotely will facilitate the opening up phase and aid with social distancing,” she said.

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