Ireland: Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Right to Request Remote and Flexible Working published

Following the request from the Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) adopted a Code of Practice on the Right to Request Flexible Working and Remote Working, as per the Workplace Relations Act 2015 and the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.
WRC consulted with various stakeholders, including trade unions, employer representative bodies, and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, aiming to provide a practical guide for employers and employees on implementing flexible and remote working arrangements, fostering a more inclusive, adaptable, and satisfying work environment.

The Code of Practice aims to guide the application of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 and the Parental Leave Acts 1998-2023, addressing the statutory rights to flexible and remote working.

It underscores the need for businesses to adapt to evolving work models that prioritise flexibility, inclusivity, and work-life balance.

The Code emphasises the importance of a collaborative approach between employers and employees in negotiating working arrangements that meet both parties needs. It outlines the procedures for making and responding to requests for flexible or remote working, aiming for transparency, fairness, and objectivity in decision-making. Employers must consider the business implications of such arrangements, including potential impacts on productivity, team dynamics, and operational efficiency, while recognising the benefits of increased employee satisfaction, retention, and attraction of a diverse talent pool.

Employers are encouraged to review their operational and management practices to accommodate these new arrangements effectively.

It includes developing clear policies, engaging in open dialogue with employees, and leveraging the guidance provided by the Code to navigate the legal and practical aspects of flexible and remote working requests.

Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) welcomed the publication of the Code of Practice as a crucial tool for guiding best practices in managing flexible and remote working requests. Recognising hybrid and remote working as essential for talent attraction and retention, it emphasises the need for ongoing development of these working models to address challenges such as employee safety, legislative compliance, and team cohesion.