In the latest National Remote Working Survey, a staggering 44% of respondents expressed a willingness to change jobs, even if it means taking a pay cut, just to ensure their remote working preferences are met. This marks a notable increase from last year’s study, where 30% of participants shared a similar sentiment.
Reported, 55% of those surveyed this year considered changing jobs if their employer doesn’t support remote work, even if it meant less promotion opportunities— a small increase from the previous year.
Conducted by researchers from the University of Galway and the Western Development Commission, the survey gathered insights from nearly 6,000 respondents in late September and early October about their remote working experiences.
An overwhelming 92% of participants highlighted that remote or hybrid work would be a decisive factor in their choice of employer. Professor Alma McCarthy from the University of Galway commented on the findings, stating, “Our previous annual surveys showed the growing appetite for remote or hybrid working, and the 2023 survey provides evidence of this sustained trend.”
For those privileged to work remotely or adopt a hybrid approach, the flexibility to do so now significantly influences their choice of employer and job satisfaction, according to Professor McCarthy.
Currently, 59% of respondents are working in a hybrid model, balancing time between remote and on-site work. Meanwhile, 38% are fully remote, with only a mere 3% working entirely on-site.
Reported, the survey discovered that weekdays Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are more preferred days to go to office, though 72% prefers remote work.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, emphasized the survey’s insights, noting that government initiatives, particularly the Connected Hubs initiative, are supporting remote workers and employers to foster talent retention and build stronger futures for rural communities.
Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission, highlighted the positive impact of remote work on talent attraction and retention. As reported by survey findings indicates a sustained embrace of the hybrid work model, providing more opportunities for regions having depopulation and less job prospects.