Remote-working will likely have a huge impact upon the future of employment for most Irish businesses. We have the opportunity to encourage people to stay home, while working. This will help us achieve the 2030 7% per annum carbon emissions reduction target.
The civil and public service have taken leadership in this move and should be commended for doing so. With just civil servants working from home, we can achieve a significant reduction in our carbon emissions.
The research by Trinity academic Dr. Brian Caulfield and his colleagues on emission reductions from remote working, shows it will also decrease congestion on our road networks and on our public transport, which in turn will make public transport more attractive and reliable.
However, Forsa has stated that the government needs to deliver greater support to those who work from home. Health and safety concerns need to be considered in many areas.