Remote Work Revolution: Navigating the Hybrid Work Model

Remote working opportunities and hybrid working arrangements have been growing in popularity across the world for many years, and Ireland saw a huge rise in this type of work during the Covid-19 pandemic. During lockdowns and while the pandemic was dictating working practices, businesses had to adapt to allow employees to work from home and this led to changes in infrastructure and a realisation that flexibility in working arrangements has many benefits, both for workers and for businesses.

Studies show that working in a hybrid arrangement, with the flexibility to create a life/work balance that suits your situation, is a desirable setup for many people and Forbes reports that ‘jobs allowing employees to work remotely received seven times more applications than in person roles… nearly 40% of global candidates report that workplace flexibility is among the top three factors they consider’ (Forbes).

Hybrid work increases productivity

Many employees split their working week between working from home or remotely and working in the office, and this has been shown to increase productivity and employee loyalty. A CIPD paper on flexi-working discusses the statistics that show ‘flexible workers are also more likely to be engaged, which yields significant advantages for employers – potentially generating 43% more revenue and improving performance by 20%, compared to disengaged employees’ (CIPD).

Challenges may arise when remote or hybrid working, including maintaining team cohesion, managing communication effectively and ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, and this is where employers can benefit from establishing strategies that address these issues and enable effective flexible working arrangements. In Ireland, many businesses have recognised the importance of supporting the well-being of their employees in the context of remote work and developed inclusive working environments that prioritise mental health and work/life balance for all.

The cultural change focuses on productivity

The shift we have seen towards hybrid working across the world as well as at home in Ireland represents a cultural change in the way work is approached. In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on results-oriented performance rather than the ‘clocking in’ culture that focuses on adherence to traditional office hours. Where the number of hours employees spent sitting at a desk may have been valued highly in the past, employers today are aware that the level of productivity their employees operate at has little to do with their physical presence in the office.

The most forward-thinking businesses in Ireland are leading the way with flexible working arrangements, enabling employees to take more control of their schedules and work remotely or in a hybrid arrangement. Far from being seen as a compromise that was extended to specific employees in the past, such as those with children or those recovering from illness, this is now recognised as an effective way to attract and retain top talent.

Technology plays a role in flexible working models

Of course, the advent of impressive technological developments in communication has made flexible working far more practical in many industries, and this is largely due to the rapid changes in technology during the pandemic. Collaboration tools such as video conferencing, project management platforms and communication apps have become standard practice and enable connectivity and cohesion among remote and hybrid teams.

As a remote worker, in many cases, all you need is a good internet connection and any essential hardware, which will often be supplied by your employer. Ireland has a strong technology infrastructure, so it is well-suited to remote work. The purchase of equipment that enables hybrid or remote working may be supported by employer policies or initiatives run by the Irish government, which has recognised the importance of flexible working arrangements and produced guidelines to help businesses implement hybrid work models.

Creating a successful hybrid work model

Working remotely or in a hybrid model can be complicated but is a great solution for many people. Here are our top tips for making it work:

Establish clear communication. Communicating is essential if a hybrid working model is to be successful, and this involves the employee and employer being open about their needs and priorities. You will need to be honest about your goals and the reasons you want to work flexibly and ensure that you set out clear methods to stay in regular contact with team members and supervisors using email, instant messaging and video conferencing. You should discuss how your performance will be measured in this setup and ensure that your expectations are aligned with those of your supervisors and team.
Use collaborative tools. Making your hybrid arrangement work will usually rely on the use of effective collaboration tools. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with tools that make it easier to communicate virtually, manage projects collaboratively and share documents. Take the time to explore platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Slack and find out which will best suit your needs.
Prioritise team cohesion. You may plan to work part-time at home and part-time in the office, in which case you will need to prioritise opportunities for in-person collaboration and team meetings. If you are working almost all of your hours from home or remotely, you may still wish to schedule some days in the office or for team cohesion, perhaps monthly, so that you can build relationships with colleagues and feel involved in the office culture.
Set up an effective workspace. It is much easier to work remotely if you have a dedicated space at home to keep your work separate from your family or personal life. Ensure that you have a comfortable space with a reliable internet connection, all the equipment you need and a quiet environment in which you can concentrate. You will benefit from a flexible approach to your work, allowing you to adapt your schedule if necessary and ensuring that you establish boundaries such as regular breaks to maintain an effective balance.
Engage with professional development. It may require more effort when you are working remotely but it is important to stay engaged in professional development opportunities, both in-person and virtually. This may include training sessions, webinars, team social days or conferences, and it will help you to actively contribute to cultivating a positive work culture and promoting a sense of team cohesion with your colleagues.

Of course, the working landscape can change and evolve and policies for remote working in Ireland are likely to continue to develop in the next few years. However, it looks as though remote and hybrid working patterns are here to stay, and the benefits for both businesses and employees are numerous.

Work with a Recruitment Agency In Ireland

Whether you are a business seeking new talent or are looking for a new role in Ireland, we can help you throughout the process. CareerWise is a Recruitment Agency with years of experience in the recruitment industry in Ireland, and our friendly team can help you to make your job search more efficient, connecting you with positions that suit you and offering professional advice on your CV and interview style. We will take the time to understand your requirements before matching you with desirable positions and helping you secure the job you want.

CareerWise is Ireland’s leading specialist recruitment firm, based in Cork, Shannon and Galway, and we can help you find the top talent for your business in Ireland. We specialise in the Engineering, Supply Chain, Science/Pharma, IT and Accounting industries in Ireland, and we look forward to working with you. Contact us online now or call us at +353 (0) 21 206 1900 to arrange a consultation.

Ken Murphy

(Director) BE (Hons), CPIM – Cork Office

Ken Murphy graduated from University College Cork in 1987 with an Electrical Engineering degree before moving to the US as a Network Design Engineer with BellSouth Corporation. His return to Ireland in 1989 heralded a career which concentrated on the multinational sector, and involved working with companies such as Apple Computer, Cabletron, FMC Automotive, Moog, General Semiconductor and Technicolor.

Ken is a specialist in quality management, purchasing, logistics and supply chain management. He has significant expertise and experience in managing the changing demands of the global media, electronics and automotive sectors at operational and project management levels.

Ken leads CareerWise Recruitment’s Cork operations. He has served on local and national committees of IPICS (The Supply Chain Management Institute), CIPD, the Cork Electronics Industry Association (CEIA), and has completed a three-year term as Chair of the UCC Alumni Board.

Ken has recently been elected as a Director of the Cork Chamber for a four year term to help promote business and drive policy objectives for the Cork Region

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