September National Remote Working Survey invites participants to shape the future of work in Ireland

Researchers from the University of Galway and the Western Development Commission are calling on employees to share their experiences regarding remote and hybrid work by participating in the annual National Remote Working Survey.

This is the fourth annual survey and seeks to build on the valuable insights garnered from the previous three surveys.

The 2023 survey will offer a comprehensive view of how remote and hybrid work is shaping work experiences and employment dynamics in Ireland.

The National Remote Working Survey is led by Professor Alma McCarthy, Dr Meave O’Sullivan, Professor Eoin Whelan and Dr Luke McGrath at University of Galway, alongside Allan Mulrooney and Deirdre Frost at the Western Development Commission.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, warmly welcomes this initiative and encouraged workers to participate, stating: "In recent years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in supporting remote workers and employers. It is of utmost importance that we maintain this momentum. Our Rural Development Policy, 'Our Rural Future,' clearly acknowledges the pivotal role of remote working in achieving balanced regional development. Remote workers contribute to local economies and sustain communities, and I am committed to fostering remote work. This survey will provide us with essential data to make informed decisions in this vital area."

Professor Alma McCarthy, Professor of Public Sector Management and Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway, emphasised the significant impact of previous surveys on policy-making: "Our previous annual surveys have played a crucial role in shaping the national remote working strategy. The way we work has undergone a dramatic transformation since the Covid-19 pandemic. It is opportune to document the trends, preferences, and the impact on employment three years on."

Allan Mulrooney, Chief Executive of the Western Development Commission, highlighted the enduring popularity of remote work following Covid-19: "Remote working has proven highly attractive to both employees and employers post-pandemic with an impact on relocation and regional development. While some have returned to the office, many continue to work remotely either full or part-time. This survey examines the experiences of remote workers at this juncture. The development of the National Hub Network, Connected Hubs, which now numbers over 300 hubs, underscores the sustained demand for remote and hybrid work solutions, as well as suitable work facilities close to home."

After analysing the findings from the 2023 National Remote Working Survey, the team will publish the results both the University of Galway and the Western Development Commission websites at the end of October 2023. Additionally, comprehensive reports and key statistics from previous annual surveys are accessible on these websites.

The survey, which is open until open until Monday October 2, is available at https://bit.ly/RemoteWorkSurvey4

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