Dublin Chamber is delighted to launch the results of its Q2 2024 Business Outlook survey, which offers valuable insights into the priorities and challenges of Dublin’s business community. Based on feedback from approximately 150 companies across the Dublin region, the Q2 survey series analyses hybrid and remote working trends using variables such as time, capacity, and legislation. Additionally, the report provides businesses’ outlook on commercial rates, transport projects, challenges at Local Government level, as well as measures and challenges in decarbonisation.

The results of the report reveal notable shifts in hybrid and remote working patterns. For the first time since similar surveys were carried in Q4 2022 and Q3 2023, three days in the office has surpassed two days. Headline findings this quarter reveal that one-in-three businesses (32%) are reporting their employees to be in the office three days a week, up from 27% in Q3 2023 and up from 22% from Q4 2022. In addition to this, only 22% of employees are reported to be spending two days in the office, a notable decrease from 27% and 28% in Q4 2022 and Q3 2023, respectively. 

Aebhric McGibney, Director of Public and International Affairs, commented, “these shifts indicate a clear trend toward more frequent in-office presence and aligns with anecdotal feedback heard within Dublin Chamber’s roundtable discussions, where employers have expressed a desire to see their staff in the office more often.” 

The increase in days spent in the office coincides with a rise in companies implementing core days; specific days when employees are required to be in the office. In Q4 2022, just over one-in-five (21%) of businesses stated that they had core days in place, with this figure rising to 27% in Q3 2023. This quarter has seen a further increase in of twelve percentage points, with just under two-in-five (39%) of businesses reporting that they have implemented core days.

While the growing preference for increased office presence is more evident than ever this quarter, Dublin firms continue to value workplace flexibility. Over one third (37%) of businesses are currently offering total flexibility to staff, meaning that they do not have core days or hours in place. This represents a modest increase from 34% in Q3 2023. Although this rise is less pronounced than the increase in core days, it remains a significant trend and shows Dublin businesses effectively utilising the hybrid work model.

“Employers recognise the need for greater flexibility to attract a wider pool, including those living further away from the City due to the lack of affordable housing. At the same time, they also demonstrate a preference for having core days in place, providing a more structured framework to the working week and safeguarding work culture” McGibney added. 

In addition to these shifts, there has also been an increase in reported office capacity levels throughout the week. Dublin businesses are now reporting higher capacity usage, over the 70% mark, across all days compared to previous surveys in 2022 and 2023. The midweek days (Tuesday to Thursday) have shown a clear upward trend in office capacity since 2023, with an average increase of 18 percentage points for each day. While Monday and Friday continue to see the lowest office capacity, they still report higher levels, above the 70% mark, than in previous years.

For further survey insights, the report can be read in full here. Dublin Chamber would like to thank all members for partaking in this survey, in addition to providing ongoing support and feedback on the issues affecting them