Navigating the Future of Work

A Balanced Approach to Hybrid Models in Ireland

As the workplace evolves, so too must our understanding of the diverse needs of employers, employees, and public policy. In Ireland, we are witnessing a shift that is reshaping how we think about work: the rise of hybrid models, the decline of fully remote roles, and the ongoing negotiations around flexible working rights. The dynamics at play are complex, with each perspective holding unique concerns and aspirations. At Entára, we recognise the significance of these changes and aim to provide insights into how businesses, workers, and policymakers are navigating this transition.

Employee Expectations and the Push for Flexibility

From the employee’s perspective, hybrid work represents a significant shift in how work-life balance is managed. According to the Irish Times, Irish employees have come to value the flexibility that hybrid work offers. For many, the option to work from home for part of the week allows them to cut down on long commutes and better manage personal commitments. A survey by PwC found that 72% of employees want to work in a hybrid model, with the desire for flexibility cited as a primary motivator.

However, the pressure for employees to return to the office full-time is growing, particularly in larger organisations. While some workers resist, fearing the loss of flexibility, others are adjusting to the idea of a blended work model that offers both in-person collaboration and remote autonomy. This evolving sentiment highlights the importance of creating workspaces that cater to diverse needs, offering flexibility without compromising professional interaction.

The Decline of Fully Remote Roles and Stability in Hybrid Work

Recent trends in the labour market reveal that the landscape of remote work is rapidly shifting. According to Recruitment.ie, fully remote job openings in Ireland plummeted to just 2.3% of all vacancies in Q4 2024, marking an 80% decline since the peak in 2022. Meanwhile, hybrid work has remained a consistent preference, accounting for approximately 10.7% of all job postings over the past eight quarters. This stability suggests that, while employers may be scaling back remote options, hybrid work models have emerged as a preferred middle ground.

While many employers feel pressured to bring employees back to city office spaces to justify the underutilised costs, this isn’t the case for all businesses, especially those embracing more flexible, hybrid models. For those employers, maintaining a smaller city presence remains viable when satellite teams are based in regional locations, offering cost-efficiency and access to local talent closer to where employees prefer to live, as well as the structured learning and supportive environment of an office base.

For employers, this shift is not just a response to changing employee demands but also a recognition that hybrid work offers a balance of flexibility and productivity. While businesses are adjusting to hybrid models, they must also consider the associated costs, including maintaining office space and providing the necessary technology for seamless remote work. The challenge is finding the right mix—one that supports team cohesion and flexibility, while also addressing business goals and operational needs.

Public Policy, Unions, and the Role of the Government

On the policy front, the Irish government has attempted to strike a balance with its Blended Working Policy, which allows civil servants up to three remote working days per week. This policy reflects a broader global trend toward hybrid work, with many countries grappling with how to regulate remote work in a post-pandemic world. However, the issue remains contentious, particularly in the public sector, where unions like Fórsa continue to push back against blanket return-to-office mandates. The union’s resistance highlights the ongoing negotiations required to ensure that remote work remains an option, especially in industries where it has become a vital part of daily operations.

As noted in the Irish Independent, unions have been advocating for the continuation of remote work arrangements, arguing that forcing workers back into offices could lead to a decline in productivity and work-life balance. While these debates unfold, the need for businesses to find solutions that respect both employee rights and operational efficiency has never been more pressing.

A Balanced Approach: Navigating the Transition

For businesses, the current shift towards hybrid work presents an opportunity to rethink traditional office models. While some companies have embraced fully remote structures, the reality is that hybrid work is likely to remain the dominant model for the foreseeable future. According to Ibec, the Irish business representative body, more than 70% of companies in Ireland have already adopted or plan to adopt hybrid working in some capacity.

The key challenge for employers now lies in designing hybrid models that align with their business objectives and support employee needs. Hybrid work offers the flexibility of remote work while ensuring that in-person collaboration and company culture can still thrive. Employers must consider how to structure their office spaces to accommodate employees who come in a few days a week, which often requires rethinking the need for fixed desks or private offices.

At the same time, employees are becoming increasingly vocal about their desire for flexibility. The hybrid model offers a middle ground that allows employees to work remotely while still having access to physical spaces when needed. These hybrid models can create a more dynamic work environment, fostering greater employee satisfaction and reducing the risk of burnout that often comes with fully remote work.

Moving Forward: Leading the Change in a New Era of Work

As we continue to navigate these shifting dynamics, the need for businesses, employees, and policymakers to work collaboratively has never been more evident. Employers must embrace the opportunity to innovate in how they structure teams and workspaces, all while recognising the importance of flexibility in fostering a healthy and productive workforce. At the same time, employees and unions must remain engaged in the ongoing dialogue to ensure that their rights to flexibility are protected, while understanding the challenges faced by businesses in making these arrangements sustainable.

For employers embracing flexible, hybrid models, maintaining a smaller city presence is possible by leveraging satellite teams in regional locations. This approach offers cost-efficiency, access to local talent, and the benefits of a structured office environment closer to where employees prefer to live.

At Entára, we understand the complexities surrounding the future of work, from employee demand for flexibility to the challenges employers face in adapting their office models. By offering a network of coworking spaces that are adaptable, affordable, and designed to support both hybrid and flexible working arrangements, we provide a practical solution that bridges the gap between these competing needs. Our approach ensures that businesses can maintain productivity and company culture while offering employees the flexibility they value, all within a supportive and collaborative environment.

The future of work in Ireland is still in motion, but one thing is clear: hybrid models are here to stay. By approaching these changes with a spirit of collaboration, flexibility, and openness to innovation, we can ensure that the workplace of tomorrow is one that benefits everyone—businesses, employees, and society as a whole. As we transition, it will be those who embrace the balance between flexibility and responsibility who will lead the way in creating the workplaces of the future.