Nearly half of Irish workers would turn down job that doesn’t offer remote-working option

This was higher than the survey’s global average of 29pc, according to the group, which is the parent company of hiring platform IrishJobs.

The study, published in partnership with Boston Consulting and a group of 70 recruitment platforms, is based on survey data from 150,000 respondents in 188 countries.

This included 1,746 people in Ireland.

A survey of the Irish workers also found that 61pc of those seeking new employment would turn down an “attractive” job offer from a company if they left the interview with a negative impression.

Around 18pc said they would not work for a company that did not have environmental initiatives in place.

Other areas of importance for Irish jobseekers include wellbeing or mental health support.

Almost a third stated they would not accept a job offer from a company without wellbeing benefits included in the overall package.

Around half also believe they can negotiate with employers in relation to salary offers.

Work-life balance remains the key priority when job-hunting, the report found. This was unchanged since the last survey in 2021 and has been first in the rankings since 2018.

This was followed by financial compensation, job security and paid time off.

As the cost of living continues to rise, the importance of salary jumped six places since the last survey.

This was the second-most important preference for workers aged 21 to 50. However, this was less important for older workers.

Those aged 51 and above ranked good relationships with colleagues ahead of remuneration, according to the Irish report.

“The Irish economy continues to expand, albeit at a more moderate pace, with the rate of unemployment remaining at a record low of 4pc,” Stepstone Group country director Sam Dooley said.

“Against this backdrop of near full employment, there continues to be significant competition among employers to attract and retain skilled talent.”

He added that the study also “highlights the growing importance of hybrid and flexible working in the jobseeker agenda.”

Mr Dooley called on employers to check that their hybrid working policies comply with new Government guidelines on the right to request remote work.