businessplus.ie has reported recent data from Indeed that highlights the sustained popularity of remote work in Ireland and Europe’s major economies. Ireland stands out as a leader in offering remote or hybrid working arrangements, with 15.4% of Irish job postings featuring such terms, surpassing countries like Germany, Switzerland, and France.
Among the countries analyzed, Poland leads with the highest proportion of remote job ads, followed by Spain, Austria, and the UK. Despite a slight decline from the peak observed during the pandemic, the share of Irish job postings offering remote work remains above pre-pandemic levels.
While some high-profile companies are encouraging a return to the office, the availability of flexible working options remains prevalent across various job categories. According to Jack Kennedy, Indeed’s senior economist, remote or hybrid working has become a standard practice and is desired by both employees and employers.
Although countries like Ireland and the US have seen a decrease in remote job postings, compositional shifts, particularly in the technology sector, have contributed to this decline.
The share of remote or hybrid job postings in Ireland has steadily increased since January 2019, reflecting a growing preference for flexible work arrangements. Spain currently leads among Europe’s largest economies in remote job postings, while Italy has experienced a slight decline from its peak in 2021.
Kennedy noted that recruitment difficulties and a competitive labor market have driven continued support for remote work among hiring companies. However, some employers have expressed concerns about the challenges associated with remote work, particularly in organizational and managerial aspects.
The shift towards remote work has also impacted city centers, leading to reduced footfall and affecting service businesses. Industries such as hospitality, retail, and construction, which cannot offer remote work options, are facing challenges in recruitment.
As remote or hybrid work continues to shape modern labor markets, employees in Ireland, facing high living costs, value the flexibility it offers. This trend highlights the ongoing evolution of work preferences and its implications for various sectors and urban landscapes.
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