Irish workers would reject full-time in office in favour of hybrid work

Despite uncertain economic times ahead, Irish employees are putting their career in the driver seat.

While the indications are that hiring is slowing down by 12.7% year-on-year, Irish workers are feeling bullish according to research by professional social network LinkedIn.

The study of more than 1,000 Irish workers between November and December found that almost two thirds (59%) say they’re confident in securing a new job.  Those with the right skills wanting to move have a reason to feel confident though, as companies continue to face skills shortages and hiring challenges.

While not everyone is in the same situation, those looking to move are driven by financial security as the cost of living soars, with demand for higher salaries the biggest motivator for employees wanting to leave a current role (43%). Not only is salary the leading factor in driving employees to look for other opportunities, but an increase in salary is the biggest factor (50%) that would influence them to stay. This may lead to some challenging conversations this year as one in five (20%) Irish bosses have said they are not offering a pay rise to deal with the cost of living.

Flexible working is a priority for Irish professionals

Flexible working also remains a key priority for Irish professionals, with almost three in five (58%) workers surveyed stating if offered a new job or promotion, but the position required them to be in the office full time, they would reject the opportunity in favour of a hybrid/remote work policy.

The appetite for new opportunities is not just limited to Ireland, but is true across the globe. Whilst Irish professionals are some of the most eager, with 59% considering switching jobs in 2023, Italians (54%), Australians (59%) and Brits (60%) are exploring their options too.

Despite uncertain economic times ahead, employees are putting their career in the driver seat. Almost one in two (49%) workers say they are now more confident in pushing for a promotion or new opportunity in 2023.

Professionals are confident of their value within a tight jobs market and are taking charge of their career by investing in their skills and developing new ones. What is clear since the pandemic is that professionals have built up a bank of resilience and the LinkedIn research indicates this in their confidence to tackle the year ahead. 

Zoomers lead the charge

Gen Z is leading the charge, with 18-24 year olds (71%) most likely to be considering a new role in 2023 compared to the rest of the workforce. This contrasts to under half (47%) of those aged 45-54 who feel the same.

But whilst Zoomers may have eyes on another job in the future, many are still doubling down in their current role in an effort to hold down their position – a far cry from the minimum efforts of the quiet quitting trend which swept through workforces last year. A quarter (26%) of Gen Z employees worked longer hours and 15% reduced their flexible working hours, meaning they are spending more time in the office, in response to increasing global uncertainty.

Downturn concerns

A potential downturn due to the ongoing economic uncertainty is raising some concerns for Irish professionals. Almost two fifths (38%) of those surveyed were worried that it could be used as an opportunity for their employer to require them to physically attend the office on a full-time basis.

A similar cohort (37%) voiced their fears that a downturn could lead to the employer potentially removing benefits like health insurance. While many staff naturally have concerns, 50% of Irish professionals expressed their confidence that their company’s leadership team would be able to guide them through a downturn.

“We are living through a period of great change, but despite all the uncertainty that goes with that, Irish professionals are stepping into 2023 with such confidence,” said Sharon McCooey, head of LinkedIn in Ireland (pictured).

“While some companies are re-evaluating their plans for the year ahead, workers are taking action by being more intentional in their search for a new job, whereas others are taking steps to recession-proof their current roles by learning new skills or brushing up on existing ones. In fact, we’ve seen a 43% year-on-year increase in members adding skills to their LinkedIn profile – 35m have been added in the last 12 months.”

“To support people looking to make a career move, be it a job change, a complete career pivot or progressing in their current role, we’re launching a packed line up of content, speakers and tips to arm professionals with the tools they need to stand out from the crowd. This includes free LinkedIn Learning courses and inspiring and insightful advice from a range of industry experts.”

LinkedIn’s tips on how to invest in your career in 2023:

• Create a standout profile: Be sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date to stand out to recruiters. LinkedIn members with a profile photo have 21 times more views and up to 9 times more connection requests than members who don’t. Be sure to include a short summary of your background and highlight your key skills. You can also let recruiters and your network know you’re open to new opportunities by enabling the ‘Open to Work’ feature on your profile.
• Look for in-demand roles: Whilst the job market as a whole is tightening, our Jobs on the Rise data shows the fastest-growing jobs in countries around the world and the next key battle grounds for businesses in finding talent. These roles include areas such as cybersecurity, sales and sustainability are among the fastest-growing jobs. If you’re looking at a career change, making a smart choice on what industry you enter is essential.
• Stay on top of the latest updates: In a shifting, competitive job market, the latest information could give you the advantage you need. LinkedIn’s Get Hired newsletter provides timely job search advice and shows which companies are currently hiring and the Top Voices to follow to stay in the know.
• Get interview ready: Employers will be looking for the best fit, so before each application, think – why is this role for you? How can you demonstrate that? Why should they hire you over someone else? By using tools like LinkedIn interview prep, you can prepare yourself for any interview.
• Invest in yourself: Online courses can bridge the gap when learning new skills or brushing up on existing ones. For job seekers, it’s vital to understand the skills that are in demand, what skills you have that are transferable and what skills you need to learn. Over 40% of companies globally rely on skills to identify candidates, so think about the 5 most relevant skills for the job you want and add them to your profile. LinkedIn Learning has over 17,000 courses available, for anyone looking to upskill, including free access to Build a Career You Love No Matter the Market to help job seekers make their next move or progress their career in 2023. LinkedIn is supporting professionals every step of the way with free Learning courses, live events, expert advice and more.

LinkedIn’s Jobs On The Rise: Ireland’s Top 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs: