The survey also revealed that only 5% of Irish people expect to have one job for life.
It’s been revealed in a major study that Irish employees value greater flexibility in their jobs.
McDonald’s recently unveiled the report, which surveyed 1,000 Irish workers over the age of 16.
Its research suggests that 48% of people say that they would prefer to get rid of the traditional working pattern of 9am – 5pm, favouring earlier starts.
In total, only 23% of respondents would consider 9am – 5pm to be their most preferable working hours.
Jobs that offer earlier starts and a shorter working week are most appealing to Irish people in employment, with 48% saying that they would prefer to start work before 9am and finish before 5pm.
Starting at 8am and finishing by 4pm was the most popular option for a working day, chosen by 31% of respondents, while 17% opted for the earlier start of 7am – 3pm.
If given the option, 32% of people would accept a longer workday for a shorter work week.
The report also revealed that younger people are changing jobs with greater frequency, with young people aged 16-24 already having averaged five jobs so far, compared to over 55s who have also had an average of five jobs in their working lives.
This study, conducted by YouGov in July and August, coincided with a prediction by the Central Bank that the number of Irish people in employment will rise to a record 2.3 million over the next two years.
The research reveals the top priorities for what Irish adults would consider a ‘good’ job. A friendly and sociable work environment, flexibility, a high salary, location and opportunities for progression are the criteria that ranked highest among the respondents.
The final piece of information the survey provided was that Irish workers are no longer looking for a job for life, and are willing to move jobs to find the right role.
Employees now expect to have nine jobs or more over their working lifetime, with younger entrants to the workforce already outpacing their older colleagues.
“People are looking for jobs that work for them,” said Paul Pomroy, CEO of McDonald’s UK & Ireland, commenting on the survey.
“This research reflects our belief that to attract, retain and motivate, employers need to create opportunities that genuinely work for people whatever their age, life stage, or ambition.
“The business case is clear, as are the links to improved happiness and wellbeing – people simply don’t want to work 9-5 anymore. They want to work more flexibly, but that doesn’t diminish ambition, desire or opportunity to progress.”
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