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

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

24 May 2023 by Justin Rush

In today’s dynamic work landscape, it is essential for employers to grasp the preferences of professionals across different industries. With this goal in mind, our recent survey delved into the optimal work patterns sought by candidates in five prominent sectors: Legal, Technology, Financial Services, Accountancy, and HR. By meticulously analysing responses from a diverse pool of professionals, we have acquired valuable insights into their inclinations towards remote work, office-based work, and hybrid models. This blog aims to showcase the survey findings, shedding light on the prevailing work pattern preferences across these 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.

Conclusion

The survey results provide valuable insights into the work pattern preferences of professionals across five industries – Legal, Technology, Financial Services, Accountancy, and HR. While each industry exhibited its unique trends, the overall picture reveals a growing acceptance of remote work, alongside a desire for a balanced approach that combines the flexibility of remote work with the benefits of in-person collaboration.

Overall results from out sample of 301 people:

31% – 100% Work from home.

34% – 1 Day in office.

24% – 50:50 Split.

7% – 1 Day home based.

4% – 100% Office based.

These findings serve as a valuable resource for employers to align their work policies with the preferences and needs of professionals in these industries, ultimately fostering a productive and satisfying work environment.

To discuss these findings in more detail, reach out via [email protected]


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