By Business & Finance 
Pictured at the launch of the Dot Next Computing Forum are Michael O’Hara, managing director, Data Solutions and Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain, who will host this year’s event
A survey has found that a higher uptake of flexible working among Irish workers would add €2.5bn to the Irish economy.
The survey, commissioned by IT solutions distributor Data Solutions, uncovered huge cost savings and monetary gains potential for the Irish economy.
Working flexibly two days a week on average would save Irish knowledge workers (those whose main capital is knowledge) €252m annually in transportation costs.
The results show that 42% of flexible workers are willing to work extra hours each week, which is worth a potential €827m to the Irish economy each year.
Of these, 61% would be willing to work up to eight hours extra a week, remotely. At 86%, the majority of knowledge workers claim flexible working drives productivity and increases output.
Michael O’Hara, managing director, Data Solutions, commented: “The results, which will be presented in full at the upcoming Dot Next Computing Forum, are extremely interesting as they have thoroughly shot down misconceptions associated with flexible working. Instead we can clearly see the huge benefits of flexible working to the individual, the organisation and to the Irish economy.”
“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.”
The survey was commissioned by Data Solutions and carried out by the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Marketing Development Programme.
