Over half of Irish people would turn down a job if it didn't offer hybrid working

New data from the Cpl Salary Guide has found that 60% of people would turn down work if it didn't offer hybrid working.

The latest survey from the Cpl Salary Guide, which helps hiring managers and HR benchmark salaries and monitor hiring trends, found that 66% of those surveyed already avail of hybrid working.

Chief Strategy Officer at Cpl Group and Head of the Future of Work Institute Barry Winkless said,

"We see from this data that the hybrid working model is here to stay.

"Hybrid working provides a major opportunity for talent and employers to come together in a blended working model.

"These models give employees more independence , while also providing employers with a wider talent pool from which to source candidates with niche skillsets.

Nearly 40% of those surveyed said that remote and flexible working provides a increased job satisfaction and a better work-life balance.

The data also revealed that over 60% of employees are considering asking for a pay rise over the next year, something Mr Winkless said could be due to increasing cost of living pressures and the relatively full employment environment.

Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland he said,

"I also think we are in an employee environment where very good employees in high demand roles have the ability to create their own destiny.

The data also revealed how people are thinking when it comes to Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking over sectors, particularly the tech industries.

Only 12% think that AI will have a negative impact on their job in the future, while a significant 40% think it will have a positive impact. 46% believe AI will have little to no impact on their respective roles.

"When you look at the three to five year horizon, that is when employees are getting a bit worried about AI", Mr Winkless said.

Sustainability was also a major factor when looking for work, the survey found, particularly with Gen Z employees.

Gen Z, those who were born between the late 90s and early 00s, have said they want to work for more 'meaningful and sustainable' companies that can make a difference.

"Gen Z workers really won't work with organisations that don't have a deeper meaning in terms of what they do", Me Winkless added, "For all the bad press that Gen Z get, they are actually driving this approach to work, that it is more than just work."

Mr Winkless said that a company needs three things to be 'meaningful' - it needs to be more humane, technological and societal, and the expectations for companies to develop these practices will grow in importance as this up-and-coming generation become a larger part of the unemployment pool.