A new employee opinion survey, conducted by Jobs Expo, has demonstrated a huge appetite for working from home, with most respondents favouring a hybrid model which blends time worked remotely and in the office.
The responses convey some marked differences between Galway-based workers and those based in Dublin, which make for interesting reading.
The survey also paints a picture of what the main concerns facing workers in the current climate are, with the top 3 responses being linked to the current financial and economic situation.
The three biggest concerns for professionals surveyed right now are:
It’s interesting to note that back in September 2019 recession was listed as a concern by under a third of respondents (26.89%), while only 15.97% listed the Housing crisis as a concern. In 2019, Brexit was marked as a cause for concern for 19.33% of workers surveyed.
The survey also revealed a striking difference between Galway-based workers and those based in the capital when it comes to future employment prospects. When asked if they were concerned about their future employment prospects, 39% from Dublin said that they were concerned, while over two thirds of respondents from Galway (67%) expressed similar concern.
The study found that two thirds of workers listed the importance of a flexible hybrid work model as being a decisive factor when taking up employment in a post-Covid world.
Prior to Covid-19, fully remote work was at 9.89%. Jobs Expo’s latest survey shows us that now it's 15.73%. Full-time in the office in September 2019 was 51.65%. Today, it's 32.58%.
When asked to what extent was your employment remote-based prior to Covid-19, 0% of respondents from Galway chose “Fully remote” compared to 15% from Dublin.
Pre Covid, a mere 6.75% of professionals considered a combination of office-based and remote work a factor when applying for a job. In the latest Jobs Expo survey the figure has risen dramatically to 65.93% of professionals, who now consider it to be a major factor when looking for a future role. Indeed, 61.54% are more likely to choose a job that offers remote/flexible working conditions.
The survey shows that there is a higher number of Galway-based workers who would prefer to go with a job that offers remote/flexible working conditions. A massive 81% of respondents from Galway said that they were very likely to go with a job that offers remote/flexible working conditions, compared to just over half of Dublin-based respondents (55%) who were asked the same question.
The survey confirms that the remote model of work brought on by Covid is no temporary measure and that two years later workers are happy to continue their current experience of remote working.
Workers are keen to maintain a post-COVID remote work policy with 60.44% of workers who responded to the Jobs Expo survey saying that they expect their employer to further embrace remote working now that Covid restrictions are lifted.
Contrary to initial fears, 32.95% of the professionals surveyed found themselves to be just as productive when working from home. 25% thought they were more productive, while just 5.68% believed they were less productive.
Despite the rise in the types of hybrid and remote work models, 62.64% of workers believe that employers need to be more open to flexible working. 57.14% thought that the Government needs to do more to support work/life balance and 53.85% want more to be done about transport for commuting to work.
The survey revealed that 41.57% of professionals have experienced unreasonable demands or expectations at work. 30.34% experienced bullying from colleagues or managers. 8.99% experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
When asked if they went to management or HR with these issues 54.55% said no, while 45.45% said yes. When asked if the situation was resolved to their satisfaction, 13.64% stated yes, while 86.36% stated no.
It is interesting to note here that a larger percentage of respondents from Galway went to HR with the issue than those from Dublin
A worrying outcome from the survey was the high number of workers expressing concern for their mental health. When asked if their mental health has suffered because of pressure/problems at work 73.86% of respondents answered yes, while 26.14% said no.
Only 25% felt that they were adequately supported by their employer, compared to 75% of professionals who believed they were not supported.
Jobs Expo runs Ireland’s leading jobs and employment fairs which put skilled professionals directly in contact with leading employers from Ireland and abroad.
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Jobs Expo is returning to Galway this Saturday. This careers fair is sponsored by Lidl Ireland and will be held at Leisureland between 10am and 4pm. Take the next steps on your career path at Jobs Expo Galway. Get your FREE TICKETS here
Speak with the a diverse line-up of exhibitors:
There’s a packed schedule of live seminars. The ‘Agenda Stage’ at Jobs Expo Galway will host talks on a variety of topics including;
The ‘Career Clinic’ is perfect for attendees looking for one on one advice and will also offer the opportunity to meet with professional development coaches who can help candidates with crucial issues such as interview skills, CV presentation and changing career direction.
Jobs Expo is the leading jobs and careers event in Ireland and is free-of-charge to the public. Jobs Expo is run by Careers Unlimited, an online and events company, and organised by Recruit.ie
Name: Jobs Expo Galway
Date: Saturday, 17th September, 2022
Venue: Leisureland
Time: 10am – 4pm
