Three-quarters of the Irish workforce believes that country is heading for recession, but the majority of workers think their jobs will be secure, a nationwide survey conducted by recruitment group Phoenix has found.

While just 26% of the workforce believes Ireland will avoid recession, 75% of respondents feel their jobs will be safe this year. Of the remaining quarter, 20% are concerned at the prospect of potential job losses and 5% are unsure.

However, 39% of those questioned said they are looking to move job this year despite the volatile economic environment, while 30% are unsure of their movements in the next 12 months. Around 31% are looking to remain at their current place of work.

Half of workers are continuing to work in a hybrid capacity, with only 15% returning to the office full-time.

While 76% are working from home on either a full-time or hybrid basis, 23% have had their companies conduct a full health and safety check of the work-from-home stations used. Additionally, only 37% of respondents have received a monetary budget to allow for this work model. 

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Furthermore, 44% of workers believe that a recession will not cause any changes to their working models, but 7% think flexibility will increase, 5% expect to return to the office full-time, and 44% are unsure of what a recession may mean for their working conditions. 

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, 26% of the workforce received a pay increase in line with inflation; the remaining 74% have received no pay increase.

Almost nine out of ten respondents (88%) believe that they should receive a pay rise to meet these challenges in the new year, with only 12% of the opposing view. 

Across Ireland, the UK and US, 49% of women and 51% of men work on a hybrid basis, and both 15% of females and males are working in the office full-time. 

The female respondents reported being more secure that their jobs will be secure this year at 79% compared to 69%. Males revealed that they are more likely to look at moving from their current role this year at 44%, with 35% of females also looking at leaving their jobs.

More females received pay increases last year to match inflation at 32% compared to 26% of males receiving a raise. 

"2022 was a difficult year for the tech industry, and indeed other industries, and recession concerns are prevalent. Despite the challenging outlook, it is and will be an employee-driven market," said Ed Rossiter, founder and co-CEO of Phoenix. 

"Businesses should continue to be cognisant of this to retain their talent as the desire for flexible work and other competitive benefits will continue. All firms should prioritise innovation and adaptation as we head into an uncertain period, but there is cause for optimism as the future of work continues to evolve.

Ruth Lyndon, co-CEO of Phoenix, added: “While conversation regarding a full time return to the office has been spearheaded by spokespeople such as Elon Musk in recent months, Ireland’s employers are yet to really catch wind - hybrid remains dominant, and the benefits of this approach remain visible.

"In-person culture is a key component of business, but the acknowledgement of each worker’s individual and bespoke needs remains a draw for many jobseekers." 

(Pic: Getty Images)