A new survey of Irish businesses has found that one in four employers are concerned about the impact on productivity of a hybrid working model.

More than 60%, however, are unsure about whether managing a blended working model will affect their organisation’s ability to innovate. Only 23% are confident that such a model will not restrict innovation.

The figures come from a new ‘business risk index’ from consulting group Aon, which surveyed 160 businesses across the country at the end of August.

The survey shows that just over half of Irish companies will provide greater flexibility for employees, while 40% intend to enhance collaboration amongst staff, through technology or other means.

Company culture more important

Aon says that firms are placing greater importance on company culture to manage their teams as the nature of work changes.

Almost two-thirds of employers agree that company culture is now more critical for success than strategy or business model. Only 44%, however, have placed more emphasis on developing their organisational culture as a result.

The Aon survey finds that cyber-security remains the main concern for employers navigating the future of work. Almost half of all Irish businesses cite ‘phishing’ as the biggest current cyber-risk to their organisation, with almost one on four concerned about possible ransomware attacks on their business.

The research shows that 40% of companies have provided cyber-security training to employees over the past 18 months, while 40% have also beefed up their data recovery and back-up systems.