This report examines the key drivers behind the rise in homeworking and the factors that hold back wider implementation
The coronavirus outbreak has thrown a sharp spotlight on homeworking, as many organisations and their employees turn to this as a way to maintain operations at this time. Current circumstances aside, enabling employees to work from home has many benefits. As a key component of flexible working, it helps organisations attract top talent, increase diversity and improve employee well-being. Remote working supports business continuity, allowing an agile response to unexpected challenges.
In the past two decades, the number of people working mainly from home has increased significantly. Major contributors to this shift include technological advancements – the transition to digital has enabled more flexible ways of working – and the world’s ageing population. Studies have shown that older workers are more likely to work exclusively from home.
However, there remain cultural and practical barriers to the implementation of homeworking. This report helps to inform policy-makers and employers to facilitate and support remote working on a wider scale.
While these findings are based on UK data, the broader trends and implications should be of interest wherever you are based.
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Watch this on-demand webinar to explore the findings of the 2026 CIPD HR Practices in Ireland report and what they reveal about change, leadership and the evolving strategic role of HR.
Explores the benefits of flexible working, the types of arrangements commonly used and gives practical tips on implementing flexible working practices
The annual HR practices in Ireland survey helps you to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the profession and facilitates benchmarking to improve practices and impact
Read the findings
The annual CIPD–IRN private sector report captures changing pay and employment trends as well as the drivers of change in the labour market in Ireland
Insights, benchmarking data and recommendations from the CIPD's latest survey on employee benefits
Based on an assessment of FTSE 100 annual reports and focus groups with investors and HR leaders, this report gives benchmarking data, insights and practical recommendations for improving workforce reporting practices