Remote working brings many benefits to the public service

Sir, – Gerard Howlin makes some interesting points regarding pay rises sought by the public sector and the issue of remote working (“Scaling back remote working should be on pay-talk agenda”, Opinion, July 20th).

There may well be an argument for public sector workers to attend their respective offices on a more frequent basis. There may well be issues relating to cohesion, collaboration and indeed just getting to know one’s colleagues.

However, there are also arguments to support the proposition that many workers are more productive when working remotely. No interruptions, no prolonged coffee breaks and, in many cases, workers feel empowered to get on with the work. The worst thing possible is an overinterfering manager who wants to micromanage his or her staff. An argument can also be made that the worst managers are those who don’t understand remote working and instead need to see their staff sitting at their desks.

Finally, what is not mentioned in the article are the nightmare conditions many people in Ireland face relating to childcare, traffic and housing (whether renting or owning). Remote and hybrid working has allowed many workers to just about cling on to their jobs and a modicum of dignity while delivering services. Scapegoating remote working without interrogating it’s benefits and, in some cases, necessity seems somewhat unfair and unbalanced. – Yours, etc,