Ireland tops EU in remote work growth
DUBLIN, IRELAND — In a remarkable shift, Ireland’s remote working numbers soared from 7% in 2019 to 25% in 2022, the fastest growth across the European Union (EU).
According to European statistics agency Eurostat figures, Ireland is the only country in the region transitioning swiftly to remote work.
Real estate company BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland (BNPPRE) confirmed this rapid change, adding that Ireland outpaced all 27 EU member states.
Malta and the Netherlands trailed in second and third places, with only Poland registering a drop in remote working.
BNPPRE Director of Research John McCartney praised Irish businesses for their quick pandemic response, saying they effortlessly adapted their working models.
“Ireland’s adaptability throughout the pandemic has been remarkable in many ways, not least the ease with which businesses and employees alike adjusted their working models,” he stated.
However, McCartney added that this adaptability has had “knock-on implications for commercial property.” Companies now lean towards fewer, high-quality office spaces, emphasizing sustainability and a richer employee experience.
While recent data shows a decline in fully remote job postings, Ireland still leads in hybrid job offerings.
Advocacy group Grow Remote suggests that up to 50% of tech, finance, and telecom roles could be fully remote, expanding job prospects nationwide and stressing the importance of supporting remote work to attract investments and talent.
