Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has announced that both public and private sector workers will be allowed to request transition from traditional to remote work.
The new law is set to take effect September 2021, and it is being developed by the Workplace Relations Commission.
“It is achievable, and I am determined to drive it through. There are some things which might take a longer time. I think most things can be done quite quickly,” Tánaise said when asked about the plan.
Among other benefits, Ireland expects to provide their workers with more flexibility, less commuting and a healthier work-life balance.
The Minister also thinks there is an opportunity to develop “‘blended” working for those activities that sometimes require some physical presence.
The Irish government trusts remote work can change the working landscape of some Ireland cities.
Beyond health and well-being satisfaction, countries worldwide have started noticing the economic benefits of having employees working remotely. After a year of a closure forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, companies are doing the sums and they seem to favor their bank accounts.
A recent study conducted by San Diego-based consultant group Global Workplace Analytics, showed that companies that allow employees to work from home for around 2.5 days per week, can save up to USD $11,000 per person each year.
This study considered variables such as work productivity, reduced absenteeism, lower turnover and reduced office expenses.
This should, by no means, allow companies to transfer their monthly bills burden to their employees.
The Spanish government, for instance, has already taken the first stab at remote working regulations.
Royal Decree-law 28/2020, from Sep. 22, 2020, demands companies to be responsible for supplying “all means, equipment, and tools”, and to provide remote workers with flexible schedules and guarantee the right to privacy, data protection and digital disconnection.