Northern Ireland has the lowest number of people working from home in the UK, a new study has found.
According to analysis from Ulster University, just over 17 per cent of workers in the north include remote working in their week.
Before the pandemic in 2019, this included only around 10 per cent, which increased dramatically to 41 per cent in April 2020.
In the post-pandemic world, the 17 per cent figure is well behind the UK average of 31 per cent.
The study, entitled ‘Is remote working, working?’ was based on official statistics, an online survey with 865 employees in early 2023 and a consultation with Northern Ireland employers.
The employers included business owners, senior HR managers, private sector firms and public sector organisations – with all using remote working to some extent.
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The report concluded that among employers there was a recognition that the current working patterns are here to stay, with very few employers working on a fully remote basis.
There was also no indication of a “secret longing” to have staff back in the office, but employers remained wary about increasing the current levels of remote working as it may impact collaboration, teamwork and productivity.
It was found that staff were generally happy with the current balance, which is considered important for staff recruitment and retention.
For employees, a broad satisfaction was recorded with working two to three days a week from home but with a preference to increase this to three to four days.
Employees also recognised that collaboration and building relationships was more effective in a formal work setting.
The final conclusions stated that hybrid working will continue to evolve but worked best when employers and employees had a clear understanding of organisational needs and the benefits of flexibility.
There was also a need for managers to recognise that remote/hybrid workers remained visible and weren’t disadvantaged in their career progression.
