Sir, – Denis O’Brien’s statements on working from home are astonishingly shortsighted and, I believe, misinformed. In reality, flexible work models hold the key to many of our most pressing issues (“Denis O’Brien says Ireland’s graduates are ‘entitled’ and predicts economic downturn,” November 11th).
Remote working enables people to live and work anywhere in the country, rather than being forced to reside in, or endure lengthy commutes to and from, unaffordable cities like Dublin or Cork.
Personally, remote working has allowed my partner and I, who were priced out of the Dublin market, to live and work remotely from Waterford, enjoying a better quality of life and a more affordable home.
Multiple studies have shown that remote working can actually increase efficiency. A study published in June 2025 by King’s College London found that remote work led to a 10.5 per cent increase in productivity for a multinational firm, largely due to shorter call durations and improved focus in quieter home environments.
RM Block
These findings are echoed by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, which reported that 41 per cent of employers believe remote and hybrid working has led to increased productivity in their organisations.
Beyond efficiency, remote working has the potential to relieve our creaking infrastructure systems. By decentralising the workforce, we can reduce pressure on urban transport networks and public services, while simultaneously revitalising rural and regional economies.
The National Broadband Plan and the expansion of digital hubs across Ireland are already supporting this shift, making remote work a viable option for more people.
Remote working is not just a temporary trend; it is a sustainable solution to some of Ireland’s most pressing challenges.
By embracing it fully, we can create a more balanced, resilient and inclusive society. – Yours, etc,
COLM O’CONNOR,
Dunmore Road,
Waterford.
