Life in Ireland after COVID-19: How will remote working impact on attraction and retention in the Irish public sector?

Peden, Grania (2022) Life in Ireland after COVID-19: How will remote working impact on attraction and retention in the Irish public sector? Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Remote working (RW) has become a feature of much debate in recent times because it was used around the world to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the impact that working and studying remotely may have on attraction and retention in the Irish public sector post-COVID-19.

Recent surveys indicate that many employees who were working remotely during the pandemic wish to continue to do so to some extent when it ends. There was evidence of negative impacts of RW, the inability to switch off, work intensification and work/non-work life tensions had been described by remote workers. The literature available on this subject relates to periods when RW was to a great extent the employee’s choice. This research contributes to the current RW debate by examining if those findings were replicated when RW was not a choice and if the mandatory RW during the COVID-19 pandemic has altered employees’ and job-seekers expectations regarding remote work.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who had the experience of RW or studying during the pandemic. They were either employed in or stated that they intended to apply for positions in the Irish public sector.

The transcripts of the interviews were analysed thematically and demonstrated that a one size fits all approach will not be sufficient. While job seekers may not be attracted by remote working policies, for some employees RW would be a consideration for them in choosing to transfer or move to another organisation within the public sector.

Public sector employers in the competitive labour market post-pandemic must be prepared to innovate in the area of RW arrangements to ensure that their overall value proposition meets their employees’ and prospective employees' wants, needs, and expectations.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Employee Retention D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland J Political Science > JS Local government Municipal government > Public Sector
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	21 Nov 2022 12:54
Last Modified:	21 Nov 2022 12:54
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5904

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