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Education Minister Helen McEntee said firms had the right to strike a balance on remote working, taking into account the specifics of their business.
This statement was made against the backdrop of a number of enterprises and government agencies abandoning the remote work regime introduced after the pandemic.
The opportunity to work from home arose during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.
As a result of these changes, the right to work remotely upon request came into force from March 2024.
Concerns have been raised about “hybrid” arrangements offered by employers, where employees can work from home on certain days but are required to come into the office several days a week.
Earlier this year, the Department of Social Protection took steps to increase the minimum number of days employees must spend in the office from one to two.
The Finance Ministry also requested an increase in the number of working days in the office, but trade unions opposed the initiative.
This week, reports emerged that AIB intends to reduce the ability to work remotely from five days a week to two for non-client-facing staff.
Asked about the shift to remote working and the impact on families, Ms McEntee said companies “have the autonomy they need”.
“Frankly, I think it's important that we provide that flexibility and structure at government level, but also that we have that autonomy within companies,” she said in Dublin.
“For some people, it is simply not possible to perform their duties from home given their type of work or career goals.
“For others, flexibility is important, and I know some companies prefer that balance: employees working in the office and socialising with their colleagues.
“There is a way of working that cannot be done without being at home or without meeting people face to face.
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“So I think it’s about creating a structure that will provide the necessary flexibility.
“But ultimately, companies have to make decisions based on what suits them, what suits their way of working, while also trying to take into account and recognise that people have families, schools, commitments, and they have to be willing to work with them to ensure that everyone benefits from it.
“But, you know, it’s about being flexible and recognizing that this will work better for some than for others, and it will be more effective for some companies than for others.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
