Drop in number working 9-5 jobs

THERE has been a major fall in the number of people who say they work nine-to-five jobs with workers favouring flexi-time.

Figures show 56% of Irish workers now work nine-to-five jobs compared to 84% five years ago in 2006.

Almost three quarters of Irish workers say they prefer to work flexi-time rather than more traditional work hours. However, four out of five managers said employee flexibility is a key consideration when hiring, according to research from employment law consultancy, Peninsula Ireland.

Managing director of Peninsula Ireland, Alan Price, said: “It seems the days of nine-to-five working are over. Workers want bosses to be flexible with working hours.

“With the popularity of 24-hour services being made available across different sectors of business, the need for shift workers has inevitably increased. In addition, with the job market being as competitive as it currently is, employees are more accommodating to make compromises in regards to what shifts they are willing to work.”

Mr Price said that in comparison to five years ago, there is much more of a demand for round-the -clock services and to meet this demand managers are giving out shift patterns at all times of the day.

“The best examples to look at would be the supermarket business and the rise in call centre jobs. Both now have a necessity to be available at all times to stay ahead of competitors, hence the increase in different working times being available.

“Employees with childcare commitments can also benefit from different working times, as they will be available to drop off or pick their children up from school instead of having to make their own commute into the office for a 9am start,” added Mr Price.