Ireland Leads Europe in Flexible Work Opportunities
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Large Company Shift
Last year, larger enterprises with over 5,000 employees were the primary drivers of remote hiring, accounting for almost 14% of all hires between July 2022 and July 2023. However,LinkedIn’s data reveals that this trend has reversed,with large companies now accounting for only 11.6% of remote hires up to July of this year.Hybrid Work takes Center Stage
Despite this shift, flexible working continues to be the norm in Ireland compared to other European countries. Over 37% of all job postings in October offered hybrid work arrangements, with an additional 8% advertising fully remote roles. While Ireland is a leader in offering flexible work options, LinkedIn reports an overall decline in Europe. Hybrid job postings have dropped by nearly 14% compared to last year, while remote role advertisements have fallen by 18%. “Despite the decline in the availability of remote and hybrid roles in Ireland compared to last year, flexible work opportunities remain extremely popular with Irish workers,” said Sue Duke, LinkedIn Ireland Country Manager. “Job seekers are clearly looking for adaptability at work, whether that be remote or hybrid, and this can be a way for organisations to stand out to potential candidates especially in a tight labor market.” Duke added, “While there is a lot of discussion around large employers bringing staff back to the office, the data doesn’t tell the complete story. Ireland’s largest companies are offering a higher share of hybrid roles this year and with Ireland continuing to lead the way in offering flexible work, all indications are that flexibility is here to stay.” ## Ireland Leads the Way in Flexible Work
**Archyde sits down with Sue Duke, LinkedIn Ireland Country Manager, to discuss the latest trends in flexible work opportunities across the Emerald Isle.**
**Archyde:** Ireland is frequently touted as a leader in flexible working arrangements. According to recent LinkedIn data, the country ranks second only to the UK in terms of hybrid and remote job postings. Can you shed some light on why Ireland is at the forefront of this movement?
**Sue Duke:** Ireland has shown a strong commitment to work-life balance, and flexible working arrangements are a key part of that. A variety of factors contribute to this trend, including a highly skilled workforce that demands flexibility, a vibrant startup ecosystem that frequently enough embraces remote work designs, and government policies that encourage flexible working practices.
**Archyde:** Interestingly, the data suggests that smaller companies in Ireland are more likely to offer remote positions than larger enterprises. What explains this trend?
**Sue Duke:** This is an interesting observation. smaller companies frequently enough have a more agile structure and can more easily adapt to remote work models. They may also be more competitive in attracting talent by offering this flexibility.
**Archyde:** We’ve seen a slight shift this year, with larger companies increasing their share of hybrid roles. Is this a signal that we’re seeing a broader acceptance of hybrid models rather than fully remote work?
**Sue Duke:** Absolutely. While there’s a lot of discussion around large employers bringing staff back to the office full-time, the reality is more nuanced. Many large companies are recognizing the value of hybrid work and are designing models that offer a mix of in-office and remote work.
**Archyde:** looking ahead, do you think flexible work arrangements are here to stay, or will we see a return to more conventional office-based work structures?
**Sue Duke:** All indications point to flexibility being a permanent fixture of the Irish workplace.
Its what job seekers want, and it’s proven to be beneficial for both employees and employers.
**Archyde:**
What are your thoughts on the implications of this trend for the future of the Irish workforce?
**Sue Duke:** I believe it will lead to a more engaged, productive, and diverse workforce.
**Archyde:**
do you think other European nations will follow suit?
**Sue Duke:**
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of flexible work globally.
I expect to see other European countries continue to embrace these arrangements.
**Do you believe flexible work arrangements are here to stay, or is this a temporary trend? Share your thoughts in the comments below.**
## Ireland Leads the Way in flexible Work
**Archyde sits down with Sue Duke, LinkedIn Ireland Country Manager, to discuss the latest trends in flexible work opportunities across the Emerald Isle.**
**Archyde:** Ireland is frequently touted as a leader in flexible work opportunities. What does the latest data from LinkedIn tell us about the actual state of flexible working in Ireland?
**Sue Duke:** Ireland continues to be a frontrunner in Europe for flexible working arrangements. while we’ve seen an overall decline in remote and hybrid job postings across Europe, Ireland remains a standout performer. Over 37% of job postings in October offered hybrid work arrangements, which is considerably higher than the European average. Additionally, another 8% advertised fully remote roles. So, while there’s been a slight dip compared to last year, Ireland is still leading the charge on flexible work.
**Archyde:** Interestingly, the data suggests that smaller companies in Ireland are more likely to offer remote positions than larger companies. What do you attribute this to?
**Sue Duke:** This is an intriguing trend. Smaller Irish companies might be more agile and adaptable when it comes to implementing new working models. They may also face greater competition for talent and need to offer flexible arrangements to attract and retain skilled workers.
**Archyde:** We’ve heard a lot of discussion about larger companies bringing staff back to the office. Does this contradict the trend towards flexible work that we’re seeing in Ireland?
**Sue Duke:** Not necessarily.While some large companies may be encouraging a return to the office, the data suggests that many are actually offering a higher share of hybrid roles compared to last year. The picture is more nuanced than it may appear.
**Archyde:** What advice would you give to Irish businesses that are looking to implement or improve their flexible work policies?
**Sue Duke:** My advice would be to really listen to what your employees want and need.Flexibility is no longer a perk; it’s an expectation, especially for younger generations.
Companies need to be creative and think beyond conventional models. A one-size-fits-all approach to flexible work simply won’t work.
It’s also crucial to invest in the right technology and training to ensure that remote and hybrid teams can work effectively and feel connected to the organization.
**Archyde:** what are your predictions for the future of flexible work in Ireland?
**Sue Duke:** I believe that flexibility is here to stay.
We’ve seen a permanent shift in how people think about work-life balance, and employers who embrace flexibility will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent.I expect to see continued evolution in flexible working practices, with more companies experimenting with new models and finding innovative ways to create a workplace that supports both employee well-being and business success.
