Preferred work patterns of professionals in N.Ireland: Analysis of poll across Five Industries

Legal
The legal professionals surveyed showcased a diverse range of work pattern preferences. A significant portion (41%) preferred working one day per week at the office, indicating a desire for a balance between remote and in-person work. Surprisingly, no respondents preferred 100% office-based work. Remote work options were favoured by 29% of participants, while 23% preferred a 50-50 split between home and office, and a smaller percentage (7%) preferred working one day per week from home.

Accountancy
Accountancy professionals showcased a relatively even distribution of work pattern preferences. A significant percentage (33%) expressed a preference for a 50-50 split between remote and office-based work, highlighting a desire for flexibility. Meanwhile, 30% opted for 100% work from home, and 28% favoured working one day per week at the office. Smaller percentages indicated a preference for one day per week at home (7%) or being 100% office-based (2%).

Technology
In the technology sector, remote work emerged as the preferred choice, with 47% of professionals indicating a preference for 100% work from home. This aligns with the industry’s flexibility and the ability to work remotely with ease. However, a considerable number (25%) still preferred working one day per week at the office. The 50-50 split was the choice for 22% of respondents, while a mere 3% preferred working one day per week from home or being 100% office based.

Financial Services
Similar to the legal sector, professionals in the financial services sector leaned toward a balance between remote and office-based work. The survey revealed that 41% preferred working one day per week at the office, while 32% expressed a preference for 100% work from home. The 50-50 split was preferred by 22% of respondents, with a small percentage (3%) preferring one day per week at home or being 100% office-based.

Human Resources
The HR professionals surveyed exhibited a diverse range of work pattern preferences, reflecting the unique nature of their roles. Interestingly, 31% of respondents expressed a preference for 100% work from home, highlighting the increasing acceptance and feasibility of remote work in the HR field.

Additionally, 23% of participants favoured working one day per week at the office, indicating the importance of face-to-face interactions and collaboration. Another 23% preferred a balanced 50-50 split between home and office, emphasising the desire for a hybrid work model. Notably, 15% of HR professionals indicated a preference for working one day per week from home, recognising the benefits of both remote and office-based work. A smaller percentage (8%) preferred being 100% office-based, underscoring the value they place on the in-person work environment.