Hybrid working remains firmly embedded across Dublin’s business community, with most employers striking a pragmatic balance between flexibility for employees and the operational needs of their organisations.
Findings from Dublin Chamber’s latest Business Outlook Survey show that nearly four-in-five businesses (78%) now operate a hybrid working model. Fully on-site working for roles where remote working is feasible, remains limited, while fully remote arrangements also continue to account for a relatively small share of firms in the region.
While the use of hybrid working is widespread, more and more firms are adopting a more structured approach to its use, with set or minimum in-office days becoming the dominant practice. This reflects a growing focus on collaboration and culture while still recognising the value of flexibility for staff.
Office attendance patterns have also stabilised. Tuesday to Thursday are now firmly established as core in-office days, with occupancy levels reaching close to full capacity across most firms. Friday remains the predominant remote-working day, while Monday continues to show a more mixed picture, with an equal number of companies reporting near-full office attendance and very low attendance.
Almost half of businesses report no difference in productivity between remote and office-based work. Among firms that do observe a difference, more believe productivity is higher in in-person settings (24%) than in remote environments (16%). Notably, a clear majority of firms do not yet have formal systems in place to measure remote productivity, underscoring the largely qualitative nature of the debate.
The impact on employee well-being, however, is overwhelmingly positive. Nearly three-quarters of businesses report improvements in well-being and morale under hybrid or remote arrangements. At the same time, views on organisational culture are more mixed, with a significant share of firms reporting challenges in maintaining cohesion, onboarding, and informal learning in hybrid environments.
More than four-in-five businesses anticipate no change to their hybrid working policies in 2026, suggesting that current models are seen as sustainable, if not without challenges.
Mia Finnegan, Public Affairs Manager said “The flexible approach Government has taken so far in terms of regulating remote and flexible working has been positive. It has allowed businesses to balance the needs of employees with the operational realities of their organisation, without being penalised for making practical decisions. Giving employers the discretion to determine what works best for their operations and their teams is critical to ensuring that hybrid working remains viable for businesses.” For Dublin businesses, hybrid working is no longer a temporary adjustment but a settled feature of the modern workplace. The focus has now shifted from whether to offer flexibility, to how best to manage it in a way that supports productivity, culture, and long-term competitiveness.
About Dublin Chamber: Dublin Chamber is Ireland’s largest chamber of commerce with over 1000 member companies. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure & transport, promoting competitiveness, and improving local governance. Dublin Chamber is also one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the world, tracing its origins back to 1782.
For further information please contact:
Stephen Browne | Head of Public Affairs | Dublin Chamber | stephen@dublinchamber.ie