An exploratory analysis of remote working preferences among tech workers and managers in Ireland

O’Neill, Darren (2022) An exploratory analysis of remote working preferences among tech workers and managers in Ireland. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This research investigated what is the preferred working-from-home model that both technical workers and their managers want post the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a digital transformation in remote work and technical workers were best placed to adapt to this new world. This paper used a mixed methods approach using a questionnaire to gather data from technical workers while using structured interviews to gather data from technical managers. 154 valid questionnaire responses were gathered while 5 managerial interviews were held.

This research found that 61.7% of technical workers on the island of Ireland do not want to return to the office in any form. Just 0.6% of technical workers want to return to the office full time. Of workers who want a hybrid model, the vast majority want to be able to select the days they come into the office and not have them mandated by their manager.

A total of five technical managers were interviewed for this research and it was found that 0% of them want a fully remote work environment post COVID-19. All managers want hybrid working but want the ability to select at least one day that all team members come into the office. This represents a significant gap as most technical workers want fully remote and those who want hybrid want the flexibility to choose the days that they attend the office.

In light of these findings this paper suggests that managers work more closely with their teams to identify a model that works for their team. Investment in remote and hybrid technology may allow for a work experience that suits both remote and in-office work.

We are in the early stages of the return to the office post the COVID-19 pandemic and workers’ attitudes to remote working could change. Research from China suggests that workers who initially wanted to work fully remotely, eventually wanted to return to the office due to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This paper suggests further research will be needed in this area over the coming years to see if both manager and employee attitudes to work from home will change in the coming years.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	06 Oct 2022 10:05
Last Modified:	06 Oct 2022 10:05
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5810

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