An employer’s guide to striking the right balance with flexible working

According to a new survey released by Dublin Chamber, just under a third of businesses now have their employees in the office three days a week, up from 22% in late 2022. Many businesses cite the need for collaboration and in-person working to maintain productivity as the reason behind this change.

Despite this trend, the same survey shows that offering flexible and remote working is still the top strategy for attracting and retaining staff, with 80% of Dublin businesses finding it the most effective measure.

So how do business owners balance the need for collaboration with employee satisfaction and talent attraction? Read on for expert tips to help strike the right balance with your team.

Why is there a rise in requests for flexibility?

In the current business landscape, flexibility has emerged as a game-changer in attracting and retaining talent. In Dublin, but across the country too, this preference is driven by the high cost of living, as well as the low availability of affordable housing.

The survey revealed that over 3 in 5 Dublin businesses (62%) have either lost employees or had prospective employees decline job offers due to the lack of affordable housing.

Some companies are stepping up by offering short-term accommodation, but flexibility remains the top draw. Competitive salaries and benefits are also important, with 71% of businesses backing this.

Overall, the need for flexibility is driven as a way for Irish businesses to stay competitive and keep employees happy.

Why is there a rise in employers needing employees to return to the office?

While flexibility is a great tool in attracting and retaining talent, having employees present in the office can bring significant benefits. Plus, remote or hybrid working isn’t always a possibility for every business.

According to the Dublin Chamber survey, there’s been a steady increase in businesses implementing core office days, rising from 21% in late 2022 to 39% by mid-2024.

Office presence can help improve in-person collaboration and maintain a strong company culture. It can also foster better teamwork and idea-sharing, which is sometimes more difficult when working remotely. Office working may be invaluable for new employees to integrate faster, giving them more effective oversight and mentorship.

Both the need for in-office working and flexibility make compelling arguments, and it’s hard for employers to balance both. So, what are some strategies to make the best of both worlds?

Finding the balance between flexible working and office working

Finding the balance between office presence and flexibility can be challenging, otherwise you wouldn’t be here. But to help, here are some steps you can take!

Put core office days in place

Lots of Irish businesses are adopting core office days. These help to ensure in-person collaboration is possible whilst still offering flexibility. It might be helpful to choose days where collaboration is critical, like the start or end of the week when projects are beginning or ending.

Make the office somewhere people want to be

If your business can’t offer a remote or hybrid working model, then a great tip is to make the office an appealing space for people to work. If you ensure your workspace has quiet areas for focus, modern office equipment for ergonomics, food and snacks, and culture-building activities, this can be a great way to keep your team happy and productive.

With the news reported by RTÉ that a massive 92% of Irish employees want flexible working, your business may want to try and make the office environment as attractive as possible to attract and retain top talent if flexible working is not feasible.

Use technology

Invest in tools that make remote work easier such as video conferencing software and project management platforms. If you do adopt a flexible or hybrid working model, using a timekeeping or clocking-in app like BrightHR’s Blip can be an effective way to track employee hours accurately with no fuss, no matter where they’re working.

Use flexitime

Whether your business can offer remote working or not, consider allowing employees to choose their start and end times so they can manage their unique work-life balance better. This kind of flexibility is often overlooked in the face of hybrid and remote-working models, but can be a real game-changer for boosting morale, productivity, and reducing burnout.

See our article on What are flexible working hours to learn more about using flexitime.

Need more support on this topic?

BrightHR’s on-demand webcast recently covered top tips to boost the wellbeing of your remote staff. Watch the full session for free expert advice to help you follow HR and health & safety guidelines for remote workers under the latest Code of Practice on flexible working.

Or, for more in-depth support, speak to a member of our team on 1800 279 841