Trinity Research: Remote Work Fails to Revitalize Rural Areas, Decline in Numbers

New research from Trinity School of Business, backed by the European Union, indicates that remote and hybrid working has not significantly impacted rural and “second tier” locations as hoped. This comes as the overall number of people working remotely at least part-time continues to decline from a recent high. Government consultations on the issue have also yielded disappointing results regarding the current legal framework.

Professors Paul Ryan and Giulio Buciuni of Trinity Business School, involved in the Remaking research project, found that the pandemic-driven boom in remote work has not fostered widespread collaboration or innovation. They observed no significant migration out of Dublin and other major urban centers, contrary to initial expectations. Instead, a “doughnut” effect emerged, with workers moving to suburbs for continued access to services and transport. This has prevented the critical mass needed for substantial change in smaller Irish communities.

Ryan notes the initial supposition that remote work would allow high-skilled workers to leave Dublin for cheaper housing and boost rural development proved incorrect. Buciuni adds that innovation remains concentrated in top cities. Reasons for this failure include insufficient legislation and a lack of attention to embedding remote work. While many firms have adapted, the power to reverse changes often rests with a single manager.

Some multinationals offer high salaries, making employees willing to accept their policies, even if they don't favor remote work. Young professionals also seek on-site opportunities for informal learning and career progression, leading to situations where young workers in offices still use Teams meetings with managers. Hubs, meanwhile, are primarily providing office space to existing enterprises, not focusing on hot-desking as expected.

Approximately 35,000 fewer people reported remote work in Q1 this year compared to the same period in 2025, though the total is still nearly a million. While few employers intend to mandate more office time, many workers are being brought back. Recent policy shifts at Bank of Ireland and the Department of Social Protection, requiring staff to increase office days, highlight that employers retain significant power, with unions often unable to prevent changes. Minister Peter Burke's claim of over 90% request approvals was deemed lacking credibility by union officials.

Surveys show a divide: a majority of remote workers and many HR managers believe it improves productivity, but reliable evidence is scarce. The public sector could provide valuable data for the ongoing Nesc report on hybrid working. Promoting remote work could also ease pressure on Dublin's infrastructure and aid rural rejuvenation.