Wednesday 30th October. Four times as many firms feel that their staff are more productive in the office than when working from home, according to the latest Dublin Business Outlook Survey, produced by Dublin Chamber.  

Speaking at the launch of the report, Director of Public and International Affairs Aebhric McGibney said “Businesses have been navigating the complex area of hybrid and remote working since the onset of the pandemic. In a tight labour market, many firms find that workplace flexibility, including hybrid and remote working, suits both the business and employees. Most firms are keen that staff are in the office two and three days a week for reasons around culture, innovation and collaboration. When it comes to productivity, about half of all firms feel employees work equally well at home or in the office. But for the remainder, the balance is four to one saying staff are more productive in the physical workplace.”  

Dublin Chamber survey data shows that productivity levels whilst remote working have been a constant concern for one third of all businesses. However, as the world of work continues to evolve, businesses must adapt. Striking the right balance and adopting effective hybrid models that work for business will be crucial for attracting and retaining talent in the long term.  

Contact Information

Aebhric McGibney
aebhric@dublinchamber.ie

Notes to editors

Since the adoption of hybrid work models, staff productivity has remained a consistent concern for approximately one-third of Dublin businesses. In Q4 2022, three-in-ten businesses expressed concerns about employee productivity related to remote work. In Q3 2023, this figure rose by five percentage points, with 35% of survey respondents voicing similar concerns. Last quarter, approximately three-in-ten businesses again highlighted productivity concerns in light of the commencement of the Right to Request Remote Work and publication of a Code of Practice. This ongoing concern crystallises productivity as a critical issue associated with hybrid and remote working.  

Delving deeper this quarter, Dublin Chamber asked businesses where they perceive employee productivity to be higher - at home or in the office. Approximately two-in-five businesses (38%) believe that employees are more productive in the office, while fewer than one-in-ten reported higher productivity levels from employees when working from home.  Approximately half of Dublin businesses (47%) indicated that their business experiences no difference in productivity between the two settings.   

Other findings from Dublin Chamber’s Q3 General Election themed report include: 

• More than half of Dublin businesses (55%) feel optimistic or very optimistic about their business prospects over the next five years and anticipate steady to substantial growth. Additionally, seven-in-ten businesses (70%) plan to increase investment, either moderately or significantly, over this period.  

• Over the next five years, more than half of Dublin businesses (53%) expect Artificial Intelligence to be the most transformative factor for their business models. Just under half (47%) anticipate labour availability to have a major impact, while slightly over two-in-five (44%) anticipate climate change and the shift towards decarbonisation to significantly affect their business model. 

• Housing stands out as a leading issue for firms this quarter, selected by over half of respondents (51%) as a critical election priority. Infrastructure and transport also rank second, with close to two-in-five businesses (39%) highlighting these areas as crucial election priorities. Public safety was also identified as a key priority by approximately one-in-six firms (16%).

About Dublin Chamber: Dublin Chamber is Ireland’s largest chamber of commerce with over 1000 member companies. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure & transport, promoting competitiveness, and improving local governance. Dublin Chamber is also one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the world, tracing its origins back to 1782.