Tag: working

Hidden Hearing Introduces Oticon Zeal

Groundbreaking new hearing device delivers exceptional sound quality, always-on AI sound processing and full modern connectivity, with a virtually unseen design

It addresses the overlooked consequences of hearing loss in the workplace and beyond

Hidden Hearing, Ireland’s leading provider of hearing healthcare, has announced the arrival of a breakthrough in hearing technology with the launch of Oticon Zeal. This next-generation hearing device combines exceptional sound quality, always-on AI sound processing and full modern connectivity in a remarkably discreet form.

Not everyone sees themselves in traditional hearing aids and with that in mind Oticon designed something different, discreet, elegant and effortless.It looks and feels more like the earbuds that many people already wear. It’s an exceptional hearing aid without the compromise or stigma of conventional designs.

With Zeal, seeing is believing. It’s the hearing aid for people who never thought they’d wear one. It delivers intelligent, high-performance hearing with seamless connectivity to today’s digital world, while remaining virtually invisible in use.

For many people, particularly those in fast-paced and demanding roles, hearing loss becomes a silent challenge. Missed information in meetings, increased listening effort and end-of-day fatigue can all affect performance long before someone realises hearing is the root cause. Despite this, most people delay seeking help for seven to ten years, often due to concerns about visibility, stigma and the belief that they must compromise on either discretion or performance.

“We regularly meet people who are coping rather than thriving at work,” said Dolores Madden, Marketing Director for Hidden Hearing. “They are working harder just to keep up, without realising how much untreated hearing loss is impacting their focus, confidence and energy. By launching this premium product in our clinics, we’re offering a solution that supports people in their working and social lives without drawing attention or requiring compromise.”

In the modern workplace, clear communication is critical. Untreated hearing loss can quietly undermine productivity, collaboration and confidence, particularly in meetings, open-plan offices and hybrid working environments. Supporting clearer hearing can reduce mental strain and help people stay engaged, effective and confident throughout the day.

“I see patients with hearing loss that is often left untreated due to perceived stigma around it,” said Dr Clodagh Gallagher, Medical Advisor for Hidden Hearing. “They also experience mental fatigue, frustration and a drop in confidence at work as a result. When you have clear hearing, it supports better decision-making, stronger communication and overall performance.”

This new innovation addresses the often unseen impact of untreated hearing loss on people’s professional performance, confidence and everyday wellbeing.

A significant barrier to early treatment is the belief that people must choose between discretion and performance. Many delay addressing hearing loss because they don’t want a visible device to define them professionally or socially.

Stigma remains one of the most powerful reasons people put off seeking help. Hearing loss affects people of all ages, yet outdated perceptions continue to hold many back.

“One of the most damaging myths around hearing loss is that it’s something to hide or ignore,” added Dr Gallagher. “The longer people wait, the more impact it can have on their personal and professional lives. Discreet, modern solutions like this help remove that stigma and encourage people to take action earlier.”

Oticon Zeal is designed to fit effortlessly into everyday life, offering a personalised hearing solution for people who want to stay active, social and fully engaged. Whether in quiet moments, busy social settings, at work, enjoying sport or listening to music, it adapts naturally to different environments while maintaining exceptional sound quality and connectivity.

With state-of-the-art innovations like Oticon Zeal now available in Hidden Hearing clinics nationwide, the organisation continues its commitment to helping people hear clearly, perform confidently and stay fully connected to their work and lives without

LinkedIn Data Shows 1 in 10 Jobs Allow Staff To Work From Home

Ireland continues to lead the way for flexible working according to new LinkedIn data published today, which saw the country ranked first for the availability of remote roles, with 9.1% of job postings on the platform in August. Ireland also ranked second in Europe for hybrid jobs, with 37% of jobs postings on LinkedIn categorised as hybrid working, closely behind the United Kingdom (39.3% share of all job postings.) Remote roles also remain some of the most competitive jobs on LinkedIn, making up 15.4% of job applications in EMEA, with Ireland seeing even greater level of demand at 20.1%.
Women faced with a ‘double edged sword’ as a result of flexible work
While flexible working has brought about many benefits for professionals in terms of work life balance, a new research paper published by LinkedIn has revealed that it also presents a double edged sword for women. LinkedIn international data shows that men consistently advance faster than women, with 10% of men promoted within 65 months, compared to 74 months for women.
The research revealed that this gap varies depending on flexible working, with on-site roles offering the fastest route for a promotion. Flexible arrangements reduce this gap, but only because progression slows for both men and women. On site roles saw 10% of men promoted within 64 months, with 10% of women achieving this within 68 months. Hybrid roles, however, saw delayed promotional opportunities, with men and women being promoted within 70 months and 72 months respectively. So while flexible work roles lead to greater parity between genders, staff based on site are promoted faster at the expense of slower progression for women.
Demand for AI talent continues to soar
LinkedIn’s data continues to highlight soaring demand for AI talent. AI engineering roles now represent nearly 7% of all technical job postings on LinkedIn – a 63% year-over-year increase. Demand is not limited to technical roles – knowing how to work with AI agents is the fastest-growing skill in 2025, and AI literacy capabilities such as prompt engineering have surged more than 70% in postings across fields like marketing and design.
Commenting on the latest data, LinkedIn Ireland Country Manager Cara O’Leary said: “Our data has consistently shown that Ireland continues to lead the way for remote and hybrid work opportunities, demonstrating how flexibility has become firmly established as a defining feature of our jobs market. Professionals are clearly embracing the benefits of choice in how and where they work, with Ireland seeing even stronger demand for remote roles than our European peers. This shows just how fundamental flexible working has become to attracting and retaining top talent, as employers continue to adapt to shifting expectations.”
“At the same time, our research highlights that flexible working is not without its challenges – particularly for women, who continue to face slower progression in the workplace. While hybrid arrangements help to narrow the gender promotion gap, they do so largely by slowing advancement for everyone. These findings underline the importance of companies being intentional about how they support career development in flexible environments, while also preparing for the next wave of change as AI reshapes roles and skills across industries.”

Nearly half of Irish jobseekers (47%) would refuse a job offer if there were no hybrid or fully remote working options offered

A new report released today by The Stepstone Group, a leading global jobs platform and parent company of IrishJobs, reveals that hybrid working is a key deal breaker for Irish jobseekers.  Nearly half of jobseekers (47%) would refuse a job offer if there were no hybrid or fully remote working options offered, compared to a global average of 29%. The research also found that 61% of jobseekers would turn down an otherwise attractive job offer from an employer if they received a negative impression during an interview.

Published in partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and The Network, a global alliance of more than 70 leading recruitment websites, the new report titled How Work Preferences Are Shifting in the Age of GenAI, is based on survey data from more than 150,000 workforce respondents from 188 countries, including 1,746 respondents in Ireland, and is the fourth instalment in a series, the previous editions having been published in 2014, 2018, and 2021.

Findings also highlight the growing importance of corporate environmental, social and governance policy for Irish jobseekers. Almost one in five (18%) of jobseekers would refuse a job offer from an employer that didn’t have environmental or sustainability initiatives in place. 30% of jobseekers would not accept a job offer from an employer that didn’t offer mental health or wellbeing benefits.

A good work-life balance was the top job preference among Irish professionals, unchanged since the last report was published in 2021. Financial compensation, job security, and the amount of paid time off/holidays were the other most important work preferences in Ireland. Financial compensation has increased by six places since the last survey, indicating the impact of an increased cost of living on the workforce over the past number of years.

Findings also reveal how work preferences change across different age groups. While a good work-life balance is the most important job element for professionals aged 21 and above, interesting job content is the top component for workers under the age of 21. Financial compensation is the second most important work preference for professionals aged 21-50. Good relationships with colleagues overtake monetary considerations as the second most important job preference among workers aged 51 and above.

The research also revealed that when it comes to the balance of power in the employment markets, almost half of jobseekers (48%) believe they have at least some degree of choice in salary offers and can negotiate with employers.

Sam Dooley, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland, responsible for IrishJobs says: “The Irish economy continues to expand, albeit at a more moderate pace, with the rate of unemployment remaining at a record low of 4%. Against this backdrop of near full employment, there continues to be significant competition among employers to attract and retain skilled talent. 

“The insights from our latest Decoding Global Talent 2024 report, published today, provide an important insight for employers into the changing needs and preferences of professionals as they seek to meet their talent needs in this competitive environment.

Amidst such a tight labour market it’s crucial that employers regularly review and update their talent offerings to ensure they meet workers’ expectations. Providing employees with a good work-life balance remains the most important job preferences for professionals and should not be underestimated by employers in their job offering ­– it has consistently ranked as the top job preferences in our research since 2018.

“Our research also highlights the growing importance of hybrid and flexible working in the jobseeker agenda. With nearly half of jobseekers willing to turn down opportunities that do not provide hybrid or fully remote working options, employers should ensure they’re evolving their policies to address these needs and comply with new Government guidelines on the right to request remote work.”

Global Findings

The global findings of the survey reveal that three-quarters of workers around the world believe GenAI will bring some level of disruption to the workplace. But despite uncertain times, they remain confident about their place in the labor market: 57% of them are ready to retrain into new roles to stay ahead in their careers, and 64% feel they hold the upper hand when negotiating for jobs.

The findings of the study underscore the proactive approach workers are taking in response to the potential impacts of GenAI. By prioritizing reskilling and development, they are not only preparing to adapt to technological changes but also expressing confidence in their ability to thrive in an evolving labor market. This adaptability is key to maintaining a robust and resilient workforce in the face of ongoing technological advances.

Globally, workers are also clear about what they don’t want—54% would refuse an attractive job offer if they had a bad experience during the interview process. The importance of the recruitment process is underscored by the fact that a negative experience during recruitment is the second-most-significant dealbreaker in North America and Europe. Additionally, 40% of workers say they won’t work for companies that don’t offer mental health support or that have a perceived negative impact on society.

“In attracting global talent, a personalised, modern recruitment process is every bit as critical as providing a value-based workplace that supports the well-being of employees,” said Sebastian Dettmers, CEO of The Stepstone Group. “These are simply not just ‘nice-to-haves’ anymore.”

Interestingly, the impact of AI disruption is evident in what global talent desires in an ideal workplace. Job security was the most important factor for workers in East Asia and South Asia, particularly among those who perceived AI to have a greater impact on their future work. Learning and development topped the list for the Middle East and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, highlighting a strong desire to adapt, progress, and upskill in an evolving landscape. The highly competitive labour markets of recent years and the strong bargaining position of workers are reflected in financial compensation being the top priority for North Americans and work-life balance for Europeans.

Download the publication here.
More insights about the survey here.

5 Tips for Working Remotely in Different Time Zones

As a remote worker, you get various opportunities to work with clients and companies from around the world and even though working as a remote worker has many benefits, there are certain problems that most remote workers struggle with and the time zone difference is one of those. Working from one side of the world with clients from the other side can be difficult because of the time zone difference, the communication barriers, the scheduling conflicts, and maintaining a work-life balance.

It can be difficult to work remotely in different time zones but worry not, as we have got you covered. Let’s discuss some tips that can make it easier for you to work remotely in different time zones.

Plan Everything Ahead

The first tip to work successfully as a remote worker is to plan ahead every day. Whether you are working with a global team or client, one thing that you will have to do is familiarize yourself with the local time of that area and the time zone difference. Before you even schedule a meeting or set a deadline, consider time zone differences between you and your client, and try to find a suitable time that will work for everyone.

You can use various tools and apps that can help you sort out the time zone differences easily so that you can plan your day accordingly. The importance of planning everything ahead is that it can make things easier for you as well as your clients and it won’t matter if your client is living in Minneapolis, MN, or Los Angeles, CA because you will be well-informed and well-prepared for everything.

Communicate Clearly and Set Clear Expectations

As mentioned earlier, working remotely comes with its fair share of challenges and communication barriers are one of them. Clear communication is very important for remote workers because miscommunication or lack of communication can make things go bad. Therefore, communicate properly with your client or team and inform them about your work hours, response times, and availability.

During this, make sure that you are transparent about everything and communicate about time zone differences that exist. Set clear expectations for each task and project and define your goals, roles, responsibilities, and deadlines clearly in advance.

Leverage Technology

Technology is your best friend when it comes to working remotely because there are various tools that you can use to stay connected, organized, and updated. Not only are there team communication tools available but there are also cloud-based platforms available that make it easier to manage documents on the go.

Plus, certain other tools can make it easier for you to schedule meetings, check prayer times, and perform face-to-face communication. Make sure that you leverage technology as a remote worker and some of the tools that you can use as a remote worker include Microsoft Teams, Notion, Google Drive, OneDrive, Calendly, and Zoom. 

Learn to Compromise and Be Flexible

Working across various time zones is not easy because you will have to adjust your schedule every once and then until you strike a perfect balance. Remote working with global clients and teams requires you to compromise and be flexible because there may be times when you will have to adjust your schedule to accommodate a deadline or meeting. Therefore, keep an open mind about all of this and be highly flexible when it comes to your schedule.

If you are working with remote colleagues, be understanding and compromising. Maintain a positive attitude and open lines of communication so that you can work together in a positive environment.

Use Asynchronous Communication

While working remotely, there may be times when you communicate with your team members or clients and don’t get an immediate response because of time zone differences or schedule differences. In such cases, you should use asynchronous communication tools like messenger apps, email, and project-building apps. With these apps, you can leave a message to your client or colleague and give them the flexibility to respond when it is convenient for them.

The benefit of asynchronous communication is that you can send a message or email without expecting an immediate response, which alleviates pressure and helps to create a more relaxed work environment.

Bank of Ireland invests €2.5 million in hybrid working hubs

Bank of Ireland has launched the latest addition to its nationwide network of hybrid working hubs. The new hub, based at the Bank of Ireland Douglas in Cork, provides a range of hot desks and meeting rooms for all Bank of Ireland colleagues whether based in the region or visiting from other areas.

Depending on their role, most Bank of Ireland colleagues can work from a combination of home, central office locations, and a network of hybrid working hubs. The Douglas hub complements 15 other Bank of Ireland hybrid working hubs in Balbriggan, Ballycoolin, College Green Atrium, Dundalk, Galway, Gorey, Limerick, Mullingar, Naas, Newbridge, Newlands Cross, Northern Cross, Omagh, Santry and Swords.

Douglas is the sixteenth remote working location opened by Bank of Ireland since 2021 and will provide desk space for 36 colleagues. To date, the Bank has invested €2.5 million in its hub network, focused on IT upgrades, reconfiguration and building refurbishments.

Pictured at the launch were, left/right; Susan Russell, CEO Retail Ireland; Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, TD, Aisling Killilea, Bank Manager, Douglas branch; and Bank of Ireland Group Chief Executive Myles OÕ Grady.

Speaking at the launch of the new Cork hub, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, TD, said:

“I was delighted to launch Bank of Ireland’s Cork hybrid working hub in Douglas Village Shopping Centre and meet with staff using the hub. Bank of Ireland’s investment in their Douglas hub shows both a commitment to hybrid working and also in the people and talent that we have here in Cork. The flexibility which hybrid working affords to both employees and employers, in both the private and public sectors, opens up more jobs and opportunities to people right across the country.”

 Bank of Ireland Group Chief Executive Myles O’ Grady said:

“Our ambition is to be one of the best places to work in Ireland, and there are three core elements to this – hybrid working, progressive people policies, and competitive pay.

“Hybrid working, which offers many of our colleagues greater flexibility as to how they work, is therefore a big part of offering as an employer.  We’re committed to our flexible approach because it works.  It is good for our colleagues and makes commercial sense, and these are the reasons why we continue to invest in it. 

“On top of this, opening hybrid hubs in large regional centres like Cork also means that we can better attract talent from right across the country. That’s really important for the future development of our business. Talent is everywhere, and these hubs help us find skilled people in all parts of the country.”

The latest survey of Bank of Ireland colleagues showed that 85% feel that the hybrid working model supports balancing work and personal commitments, up 3% on the previous year.

Full list of Bank of Ireland’s Hybrid Working Hubs:

No. Hubs Desks
1 Balbriggan 51
2 Naas 50
3 Gorey 18
4 Mullingar 16
5 Dundalk 16
6 Northern Cross 18
7 Newlands Cross 25
8 Santry 40
9 Newbridge 12
10 Ballycoolin/Blanchardstown 38
11 Swords 23
12 Limerick 12
13 Dockgate 20
14 Douglas 36
15 Omagh 8
16 College Green 24
    407

Jabra’s Study at the LSE Behavioural Lab Highlights Critical Role of Technology in Boosting Collaboration in Meetings

Globally, there are over 572 million knowledge workers*, and each week, billions of hours are spent in online meetings. Yet many of these meetings are held in settings that are not at all supportive for collaboration or productivity. In Jabra’s recent Hybrid Ways of Working 2023 Global Report, only 15% of employees say that all of their office’s meeting rooms are equipped with video cameras for online meetings, and around 60% of knowledge workers still rely on built-in laptop cameras and microphones. This begs the question: how much is the technology we’re using impacting our behaviour in meetings and our ability to collaborate effectively?

Answering that question has taken over a year of work by Jabra using state-of-the-art facilities to study human behaviour in a controlled environment at the Behavioural Lab at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The study, ‘Meeting Great Expectations: Behaviour, Emotion and Trust’, sought to understand the biopsychological impacts of the technology we use in our day-to-day work, and how it affects collaboration and inclusion in meetings.

Professional meeting technology is key to meeting equity

Meeting experiences are holistic and need to factor in all participants. When we first made the shift to remote work during the pandemic, most organisations provided employees with headsets and webcams for online meetings. However, the quality of this technology varied and was oftentimes inadequate. In fact, only 19% of knowledge workers** are using a personal, professional webcam.

Looking into how technology impacts the quality each person can access a meeting, and how much an equal playing field impacted everyone’s overall collaboration perceptions, the study observed significant improvements when everyone in a meeting uses professional Jabra equipment, when compared to using the nearest competitor’s video bar or built-in laptop audio and video. There was a 27% increase in clarity, 16% more trust, 35% greater expressiveness, and a 47% perceived improvement in the quality of input.

Additionally, remote workers often face the greatest challenges with technology in hybrid meetings. When armed with professional headsets and cameras, the research saw overall call clarity improved by 18% among remote workers, while meeting room participants also rated remote users 32% higher in terms of expressiveness. Meeting room participants also showed nearly twice (84%) the perceived level of engagement when comparing hybrid workers using professional equipment with those on laptop with built-in hardware. Furthermore, remote participants also trusted others joining remotely 22% more when using professional technology. These findings highlighted the increased levels to which remote workers can show up and contribute to hybrid meetings, and the advantages technology can provide them.

Meeting room equipment directly improves remote users meeting experience

We’ve all been in that situation where we join a meeting remotely while everyone else is in the office. It can be frustrating – you might struggle to hear what’s being said, not be able to see everyone in the room, and sometimes feel overlooked. But what if having the right tools could make you feel more present and included?

The study found that when people used professional technology both in the meeting room and remotely, those joining remotely reported a 56% improvement in the quality of conference room contributions. While nothing can quite replace face-to-face interaction, the second-highest ratings for collaboration, right after in-person meetings, came from remote participants rating conference room users equipped with professional video gear.

These findings highlight that technology can bridge the gap between meeting participants separated by physical distance. In summary, it’s clear that high-quality in-room technology significantly enhances the experience for remote participants. Any business aiming for inclusive meetings should prioritise updating their meeting spaces to support fair collaboration.

Holger Reisinger, SVP at Jabra said, “High-quality technology has a profound impact on the effectiveness of remote collaboration. Our research demonstrates that when businesses invest in professional equipment for both in-room and remote participants, they can achieve remarkable improvements. These findings underscore the pivotal role of technology in optimising meeting experiences and fostering successful hybrid collaboration.”

Dr Simon Noyce, British Chartered Psychologist, Lead Project Researcher said, “In today’s world of hybrid meetings, bridging the gap between in-person and remote collaboration has never been more important. Our aim is to encourage businesses to harness this technology to enable meaningful interactions that come as close as possible to the richness of face-to-face engagement.”

Download a copy of the full report here: jabra.com/lse

*Jabra’s Global Knowledge Worker Survey, 2023

**Jabra U&A Collaboration Study, 2022

Is The Office v Working From Home Battle Coming To An End?

Three years on from the first Covid lockdowns, is the on-going conflict between working from home and returning to the office, coming to an amicable end?

Global video conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration feels peace might finally be on the horizon, as a clearer and more consistent picture begins to emerge.

Texas-based Boom Collaboration was founded by Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett in 2020, ironically right in the middle of the pandemic! The company initially saw an explosion in demand for USB home working devices but is now witnessing a 40% rise in office video bars plus a 32% growth in high performance PTZ cameras and expandable audio devices, this year.

Office real estate apocalypse

“Through these interesting, challenging and evolving times, from lockdowns to hybrid working, conferencing has been at the fulcrum of dramatic changes in daily and working life; how people interact and communicate, almost from anywhere,” Hulett explained.

“In many ways there’s no going back to how we were before in an increasingly AI-driven world.”

She says the impact on the office property market has been particularly hardest hit with the true costs yet to fully emerge.

“There are widespread reports of a $500 billion ‘office real estate apocalypse’ where the effect of remote working in the US is even worse than expected,” she highlighted. “But what is in little doubt is how offices around the world have had to restructure to the ‘new normal’ creating more huddle room facilities to accommodate more video meetings.”

Hörnkvist, who recently visited the UK, noted: “We know these trends are mirrored around the world with one in five Londoners estimated to be working remotely, while four out of ten balance working from home with going to the office. Three-quarters would leave their job if they were no longer able to work from home for some of the week, according to one recent study.”

But he feels ‘it’s a lot more complicated argument than just wanting to work from home’.

Mixed bag

“There’s still a ton of companies pushing hybrid and in person. Maybe the real estate crash will not be that bad. Time will tell.

“Some companies at first were looking to go full remote but now they have requested staff to come back. Some went full time whilst others prefer hybrid. Some will never go back. It’s kind of a mixed bag. The key is to be flexible to maintain their culture and retain a happy workforce.”

Going full remote can be difficult to achieve, according to Hulett. “Even here at Boom we are a relatively small team dispersed across many miles but we all value getting together in person on a regular basis when we can. There’s a balance. 

“Face-to-face meetings and direct human interaction on a regular basis matter and add value in so many ways. There’s social interaction as well as business benefits.

“However much some people want to work from home in terms of a work life balance, they still need to be face-to-face regularly, rather than just being isolated. Obviously high performance video technology offers a compelling alternative.”

She continued: “One of the main arguments I used to hear from friends is, what is the point of being in the office if my colleagues are not there so I end up on a video call anyway that I could have made from home?

“Regular patterns of behaviour are being formed with people in the office with key colleagues when they need to be, and working remotely too. This can boost business productivity and smooth any friction between departments.”

No war

Hulett concluded: “Over recent years there seems to have been a constant battle between the office or hybrid work. But it doesn’t need to be that way. There’s a benefit to both and that’s certainly the view of many of our customers around the world.

“Our portfolio is built with tomorrow’s meetings in mind. We offer future proof solutions with solid components and technology to stand the test of time. From all-in-one-systems to multiple video camera mixing controllers and full room solutions.

“We recognise quality makes a huge difference. It really matters. That’s why we went straight into 4K picture resolution for example. 4K is the future. It’s about continually raising the game and raising the bar. Our flexible technology covers all bases.

“Wherever people are working the latest video conferencing technology can help. The battle is over. There’s no war. Peace is being restored.”

Remote and flexible work are the most in-demand non-financial benefits, says new research

Despite ongoing calls from business and government leaders for a reduction in working from home, employees have ranked flexible hours and working location amongst the top benefits they seek from their employers.

Research commissioned by Zoom of 1,000 UK knowledge workers found that flexible hours and scheduling (78%) and flexible work location (69%) were ranked second and fourth as workplace perks. With the cost of living crisis continuing, financial incentives – competitive pay and compensation packages (84%) and competitive benefits (78%) – made up the top four.

The findings, part of Zoom’s Workplace Benefits Preferences Survey in partnership with Morning Consult, found that flexibility is vital for UK knowledge workers. The majority (87%) are more likely to want to work for a company that offers remote or flexible work than one that doesn’t. A similar number (88%) also say that flexible working makes them a happier employee, while three quarters (75%) would consider leaving their current role if they could have increased flexibility elsewhere. Around half (52%) see remote and flexible working as a must-have for their roles and 46% see it as a perk.

Phil Perry, Head of EMEA North at Zoom said, “With large numbers of workers ready to switch jobs if they aren’t offered the flexibility they need, businesses that fail to offer a choice on where and how their teams work could be walking into a trap. At a time when many organisations are under pressure to reduce costs while delivering more, being able to offer benefits like flexible working that require little additional investment is a simple way to keep teams happy and motivated.”

Although flexible working is often seen as the preserve of younger generations, the desire for flexible location is balanced across age groups: 69% of Gen Z/Under 30s ranked this as important, compared to 71% of Millennials, 69% of Gen X and 70% amongst Older Gen X/Over 50s (Boomers). Demand for flexible hours is higher amongst Millennials and older generations, given changing life needs – 69% of Gen Z/Under 30s reported this as important, compared to 80% of Millennials, 78% of Gen X and 78% of Older Gen X/Over 50s (Boomers).

The research also suggests that the classic 9-5 model is no longer the most effective way to work, no matter the stage of life the employee is in. Across generations, 92% prefer working hybrid or remotely, compared to 8% who prefer working in the office full time. This figure remains relatively constant across generations:

·       Gen Z/Under 30s: 90% prefer hybrid/remote and 9% in person

·       Millennials: 93% prefer hybrid/remote and 6% in person

·       Gen X: 92% prefer hybrid/remote and 8% prefer in person

·       Older Gen X/Over 50s (Boomers): 90% prefer hybrid/remote and 9% in person.

Perry continues: “Thanks to the technology platforms available, employers can provide their teams with tools that give them the ability to manage work commitments and connect with their colleagues, when and where works best for them. Creating a working style based on individual preference is a priority across generations, and businesses need to avoid one size fits all approaches as they build out workforce strategies. At Zoom, we’ve invested in AI tools such as Zoom IQ to enable employers to manage, coach and mentor their remote workforce much more effectively.”

Zoom allows organisations of all sizes to implement the best tools to enable a hybrid workforce. Whether employees work in an office, remotely, or a combination of both, Zoom’s all-in-one collaboration platform allows businesses to focus on productivity and efficiency while allowing employees the flexibility to work when, how, and where they are most productive without compromising the quality of work or collaboration.

Methodology

This survey was conducted among 4,000 Knowledge Workers across the following markets: US, UK, DE, AUS, SG. Knowledge workers were defined as clerical workers who have a full-time job in the private sector, in government, or in the non-profit sector.

This survey was fielded among those in the US, UK, DE, AUS, SG from February 3– 24, 2023.  Data in this survey were weighted to match an approximate proportion of knowledge workers per country. The margin of error for this study is +/- 2% for all countries, +/- 3% for the US, UK, and DE, and +/- 4% for AUS and SG. The margin of error is smaller within subgroups.

Viatel Technology Group strategy makes flexible working a defining feature of work culture

Flexibility is a key characteristic of employment at Viatel Technology Group. The group’s strategy is to embed flexibility as a central pillar of their work culture and operations. The leading provider of cloud, cybersecurity and digital services is committed to creating a healthy and supportive working environment for its growing team of 310 employees.

CEO Paul Rellis explains that Viatel actively listens to its team, “Our people told us flexibility is a top priority, and we are responding. We have fully embraced hybrid work, with no mandated number of in-person days. Life isn’t ‘one size fits all’; each individual is empowered to work with their manager to find the balance that works for them and their team.”

“Many companies have backtracked on flexibility, returning in whole or part to traditional work practices and locations. In contrast, we are fully committed to embedding flexibility in our strategy, our culture and our operations. We are transforming our office spaces into regional hubs, with hot desks and collaborative areas for when colleagues choose to meet face to face.”

Hybrid working is just one aspect of Viatel’s flexibility initiatives; the technology group has also enhanced leave entitlements, and implemented a working from abroad policy to accommodate international team members.

Starting this month, team members can also take some extra time to themselves. Paul explains, “‘Flextime’ is part of our strategy to create a vibrant and dynamic workplace where our team can achieve their professional goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Time is our most precious resource, and we are giving everyone the chance to pursue personal interests; whether they be studying; volunteering; getting outdoors; spending quality time with loved ones, or simply relaxing. We’ll get back to work refreshed, reenergised, and poised to make an even greater impact.”

Viatel Technology Group successfully trialled a flextime initiative in 2022, when employees committed to a 100:90:100 model: receiving 100% pay for 90% of time while maintaining 100% productivity. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants rated Viatel 8.5 out of 10 as a flexible and supportive workplace, with 81% expressing their desire to maintain flexible working arrangements, reporting improved job satisfaction.

Harvard Business Review cites that initiatives that support work-life balance have been proven to promote productivity, reduce turnover, improve employees’ mental and physical health and can even boost organisational diversity. Paul concludes, “We believe flexibility benefits our employees, customers, and our business as a whole. Our focus is on fostering a happier and more fulfilled workforce, which will ultimately lead to greater success.”

Flexibility is just one of the many benefits offered by Viatel Technology Group which, in February,      announced the creation of 50 new jobs; and has been shortlisted as one of Ireland’s best workplaces by the Tech Excellence Awards.

For more information, visit www.viatel.com/careers.