A new survey carried out by e-recruitment platform, IrishJobs.ie has revealed that almost two fifths of employees have yet to receive clarity from their employer in relation to post Covid working practices. According to the survey, which was carried out among 3,077 employees in Ireland, 38% of employees have received no update from their employer in relation to long-term working practices.  
 
Amongst those still awaiting clarity, 37% suggested that this was because their employers were still awaiting further guidance from Public Health Authorities in relation to returning to the office protocols. A further 25% attributed this information vacuum to poor internal communications; 20% said their employers were waiting to see what their industry peers would do and 15% said they were still consulting with employees on their preferred working model.   
 
Amongst the cohort of employees that are still awaiting guidance from their employers, 45% suggested this lack of clarity has made it very difficult to plan ahead in their personal lives. A further 20% say that it has implications on their living situation, making it difficult to make decisions on where to live, rent or buy long-term.  
 
The data reveals that nearly half of employers (46%) have consulted with their staff on their preferred post-Covid working practises and more specifically, on their preferences in relation to remote working, hybrid working and returning to the office on a full-time basis. However, a further 42% of employees suggest they have received no formal consultation in relation to long-term working strategies. 
 
Commenting on the results, General Manager of IrishJobs.ie, Orla Moran said, “As restrictions begin to ease, many employers now have a decision to make in relation to what they want their post-Covid workplace to look like. Fundamental to this question is whether they intend to continue to facilitate remote- or hybrid-working or is their intention to get everyone back to the office. Within this decision, there are a multitude of strategic considerations to weigh up, including a corporate’s core business needs, the progression and development of employees, and their ability to recruit and retain the best talent.  Equally, many Irish-based professionals are re-evaluating what they want from their own careers, including where and how they want to work.”

She added, “For employers looking to attract and retain talent in the months ahead, clear, consistent and pro-active internal communication should be at the centre of their Covid-response strategies and wider corporate culture.”

Article Source: Business World