South East remote working survey launched to help map future needs of remote workers in the South East

In the past few months many people as a result of the pandemic are now remote workers based in the South East. The Local Authorities and their Local Enterprise Offices are conducting essential research to understand the future needs of remote workers and to provide supports for Remote Working and Remote Working Start-ups in the South East. 

Speaking about the project, Kieran Comerford on behalf of the South East Local Enterprise Offices said, “Covid-19 has transformed how we live and work and has forced us to rethink our ‘normal’ way of doing things. Early indications suggest that there is an opportunity for locations such as the South East to position itself as a real and meaningful alternative to city life”. Comerford continued to say, “We would like to garner the views and insights from a range of key stakeholders on remote working opportunities which will help us develop a structured approach on how best to maximise the opportunities presenting in the South East as a remote working destination of choice”.

 The survey can be found on: www.surveymonkey.com/r/WaterfordSE

Highlighting the importance of supporting remote workers, Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive with Carlow County Council on behalf of the South East Local Authorities said, “From supporting the provision of broadband, to digital county strategies and digital business supports, it is essential that we as local authorities listen to the needs of our communities in particular around the challenges and opportunities that remote working presents to us”. The Chief Executive continued to say “As a region, remote working provides us with a unique opportunity to enhance our resident employment base in particular those who previously commuted for many hours per day, and I’d encourage each and every person who is currently remote working to complete this survey and help us to plan for all our futures”.

The study aims to identify talent located in the South East as well as their preference for smarter, more flexible working options and lifestyle choices. Remote workers who want to explore the potential for new start-up enterprises will be offered the chance to take part in the BrightStart Remote Working programme, which will support new enterprises working remotely to frame their business idea strategically.

Survey entrants are in with a chance to win €100 restaurant voucher in their county. Restaurants include Sha-Roe Bistro in Carlow, Campagne in Kilkenny, Chez Hans in Tipperary, The Tannery Restaurant in Waterford, and Dunbrody House in Wexford.