Six in ten Irish employers are getting it right when it comes to supporting their remote workforce. This is the primary finding of the latest Taxback.com Taxpayer Sentiment Survey Series 2021. 

The tax refund specialist asked over 3,200 members of its customer database nationwide how they are faring in the new mobile working environment, and of those who work from home, 60% say their employers are doing enough to support them, both in terms of physical equipment and set up, and in the provision of wider, soft supports to help get to grips with the change in working practices.
 
Taxback.com say that while 2020 was the year of rapid adaptation for both employers and employees alike, the approach in 2021 is more considered and forward-thinking with organisations and their workforce mapping out what the future might look like in terms of work practices and environment. The survey revealed that the sense of work pressure felt by employees was unchanged for the majority (47%), but 34% feel they are now under more pressure as a result of working from home, and the remainder said they actually feel less pressure. 
 
When queried on ways that employers might make remote working work better for employees, the survey found that almost 3 in 10 respondents (28%) feel they would benefit from a cash injection to cover additional costs. 
 
Consumer Tax Manager at Taxback.com, Marian Ryan said, “While 60% of employees feel very well supported, we can’t ignore the 40% who are struggling to some extent. 20% of respondents said that although they have the material supports needed to perform their daily duties, their employer has missed the mark on softer supports. These could include mentorship and guidance on areas such as building communication skills, help with time-management, and decision-making.”

She added, “These aspects are no less crucial to a well-functioning work environment. Without adequate attention to supporting these skills and capabilities, employees are more likely to feel isolated, less motivated and possibly less productive.

Article Source: Business World