Flexible work, yay or nay?

The Government has officially launched a consultation seeking the public’s views on flexible working. The consultation is part of Future Jobs Ireland, the Government's plan to prepare businesses and workers in this country for the future. Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, and Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton, launched the consultation process in Government Buildings on Wednesday morning. The consultation process aims to get views from employers, employees, trade unions and the wider public about the current flexible working arrangements in place as well as changes they wish to see in the future.

Flexible working options may include; starting or finishing work at differing times, working compressed hours, having access to flexi-time, being able to work remotely or having the right to disconnect outside work hours.

Also under consultation is the potential impact of changes in technology, the workplace, the family and society on the types of flexible working arrangements available to employees. There will also be a consultation about the potential obstacles that may exist for small, medium and large employers when facilitating flexible working arrangements. “As we approach full employment, we need to be more creative about how we look at the world of work," Humphreys said at the launch. “Flexible working has the potential to bring huge benefits to employers and employees alike. It can improve work-life balance and make things a bit easier for families. It can also help businesses to attract and retain staff in an increasingly competitive labour market. “Obviously, however, any new Government policy needs to have buy-in from businesses in the first instance, which is why we want to hear their views, together with the views of workers, to decide the best way forward.” Anyone who wants to give their views on flexible working in Ireland can find more details here.