Does remote work impact productivity?
Summary
This episode examines a National Economic and Social Council report finding no clear evidence that remote or hybrid work impacts productivity. Guests Emmet Malone from the Irish Times and Mave McElwee from Ibec discuss the mixed data, highlighting the tension between individual efficiency at home and collective benefits like mentorship in the office. They also address the critical need for better management training to support hybrid teams effectively.
Topics discussed
Introduction to the National Economic and Social Council study
Guest introductions and report overview
Mixed evidence on productivity and employer trends
Critique of report for lacking new public sector research
Debate on self-reported productivity and commuting benefits
The critical role of middle management training
Employer perspective on stabilizing hybrid policies
Individual versus collective productivity and social bonding
Mentoring, learning from experience, and generational differences
The irony of office mandates damaging morale and culture
Challenges of performance management and feedback in remote work
Long-term impacts on career development and pay equality
Listener feedback and sign-off
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