James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have a few questions about the report. What is stated on page 60 is very interesting. It relates to the feedback that has come from employers on the effects of remote working and how it has and has not worked. I wish to delve into that a little. The report states that 44% of managers said it is more difficult to manage their teams remotely compared to those on site, 47% said there was no difference and 9% said it was less difficult. That is fascinating data. As regards the future of remote working or a hybrid working model, can the witnesses comment on the competitiveness or the analysis of the competitiveness of that from talking to employers? What is the feedback on that and is there a future for it? In the context of people who may have younger children, they are trying to manage the work-life balance. Working from home might save them a significant amount of time that otherwise would be spent commuting. There are other aspects as well. Could the witnesses expand on those points further for the committee?