A higher uptake of flexible working among Irish knowledge workers would add €2.5 billion to the Irish economy according to a survey commissioned by Data Solutions, the Irish distributor of IT solutions.
The survey was commissioned by Data Solutions and carried out by the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Marketing Development Programme.
It was carried out in March 2015 via face-to-face interviews among 200 knowledge workers, 20 HR managers in companies that employ knowledge workers and 50 unemployed workers.
‘Knowledge workers’ refers to those whose main capital is knowledge and includes accountants, engineers, architects and doctors. Unemployed and inactive workers include students, home-makers, disabled and retired.
According to the to the survey those that are unemployed and economically inactive knowledge workers, such as those who are unemployed, disabled or students, would be encouraged to return to work if remote working conditions were available.
Furthermore, 71% of unemployed or economically inactive individuals want to re-enter the workforce. This group provides the largest potential for economic gains potentially adding €1.64 billion to the Irish economy.
The ability to work from any location would allow 84% of unemployed or economically inactive individuals to return to work, when working in a specific office location presents its own challenges acoording to the survey.
Of all knowledge workers, 92% are aware of flexible working environments, however just 4 in 10 currently utilise them. The findings showed that middle managers, specialists and senior managers are much more likely to utilise remote working compared to employees in entry level positions.
Managing Director at Data Solutions, Michael O’Hara says, "What is concerning is the high number of workers who are aware of the option of flexible working, but who do not utilise it.
"Given the potential savings, earnings and monetary gains to be made in this area, companies clearly need to review their flexible and mobile working arrangements and ensure they are getting the most out of them.
"The survey has given us a strong understanding of adoption rates and attitudes of organisations when it comes to flexible working. It has also given us a look at the potential to be uncovered, especially among unemployed or economically inactive individuals.
"Irish businesses and Irish business leaders have an exciting opportunity ahead to further contribute to the economy, improve the work-life balance of employees and gain from flexible working."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
