Samsung Ireland’s Ide O’Brien discusses the increased use of technology to facilitate new flexible work habits in Ireland.

As we leave the height of the pandemic, it is clear that the way we work has changed irrevocably. Technology has been at the forefront of this change, making it easier for people to work more flexibly than ever before.

The tech advancements we’ve seen over the last two years has been astounding. They enabled workers to adapt once the pandemic hit but also, as our habits changed, the technology grew with us. Our new flexible work needs are being met through great innovation at record speeds.

Samsung recently conducted research into these new flexible work habits, with a survey of 554 Irish adults. Almost half the respondents (46%) stated that they cannot work without their smartphone device. The accelerated reliance on smartphones for work has created an increased demand for technology that can allow for flexible working.

Galaxy Z Fold3 came to the market last year and features new productive work features and an expansive 7.6inch screen, providing users with the ability to use more apps at the one time and overall enhance their smartphone experience.

It was revealed that one in nine Irish adults are more likely to work on-the-go since the pandemic. As commuting to offices returns, there has been an increase in checking emails, watching our favourite TV shows on-the-go or making phone calls while away from the desk.

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Coming out top of the research was the demand for reliable WiFi, with three out of four people in the survey sample saying they need a stable connection for work. We have seen strides in this area with the National Broadband scheme, but also with the acceleration of 5G across the country. All the latest Samsung smartphones are enabled for 5G and can hopefully help those in the most rural parts of the country work and play with a stable connection.

Flexible working has become more prominent as we emerge from the pandemic, such as the increased demand for flexible start times and a more flexible approach to days in the office or at home. According to the research, more than half (56%) of respondents either want to embrace a hybrid working model or work more flexibly.

It’s interesting to see that attitude towards the return to office differ between generations. Only 5% of 18-24 year olds want to return to the office fulltime, with 81% wanting to embrace a hybrid model. This sentiment is important for companies to note as they look to hire new talent.

Employers will be looked upon to provide more flexible working opportunities, and the way to support this is technology. Factors to take into consideration include security, connectivity and productivity. A well performing tech device can help with these challenge areas and provide security for employers.

+ Ide O’Brien (pictured) is Head of Marketing MX at Samsung Ireland. (Pic: Steve Weldon)