Remote tech jobs are on the rise according to new research from Accenture

Despite a move by many organisations to get back to the office, fully remote working is fast emerging as an enticing incentive for technology talent, with a quarter of all new job postings tagged as ‘remote’ or ‘fully remote’ – a rise of 104% in just six months.   

This is according to Accenture’s Ireland Talent Tracker, which analysed data from LinkedIn’s Professional Network to uncover the latest trends in the Irish technology jobs market. The tracker assesses skills of both existing roles and open positions in nine skills areas: artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cyber security, data analytics, data ethics and responsibility, extended reality, quantum computing, robotics, and sustainability.  

The report follows Accenture’s inaugural research in March of this year, and finds there has been a change in several trends across the technology jobs market over the last six months:

—  Remote working technology jobs have doubled in advertisements, from 12% in March 2022 to 25% in August 2022.

—  72% of the jobs advertised by businesses across Ireland are currently available in the eight major hubs being studied: Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Limerick, Waterford, Westmeath and Sligo – a 24% decline from March. In March this figure stood at 96%, demonstrating the lessening impact of the pandemic on office and general remote working roles.

—  The pool of those with technology skills including cloud computing, analytics and has increased by almost 30 per cent (29%) in the six months from March across the eight major hubs. This indicates that Irish people are recognising the importance of upskilling in key skill areas.

—  The number of technology jobs advertised has decreased by 27% across the eight major hubs being studied, however, there has been a significant increase (104%) in remote jobs across Ireland.

Antony Keane, Strategy and Consulting lead, Accenture in Ireland, said: “The second iteration of Accenture’s Ireland Talent Tracker points to some interesting trends emerging. The drop in available roles listed could mean that businesses are dialing back on large-scale innovation projects. The second half of this year is becoming one of uncertainty for the market given inflation and the rising cost of living and energy prices, and businesses’ practices seem to have reflected that. However, we would expect that number to bounce back next year as companies look set to innovate and grow through new technology initiatives.

“There is a tremendous opportunity right now for businesses that have been proactive against the backdrop of uncertainty. Those that have sought new opportunities and embraced innovation are set to benefit in the long term.”

Further findings from the Accenture’s Ireland Talent Tracker revealed:

—  Ninety-four percent of the total job postings in Ireland are for the four technology skills groups: AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and data analytics. 

—  The highest demand from businesses across Ireland is for people with cloud skills (38%) followed by cybersecurity (22%). 

—  More than three quarters (78%) of the total technology talent pool of Ireland is residing in the eight technology hubs listed within the study, compared to 67% in March. 

—  AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and data analytics are most common technology skills amongst candidates.  

—  Close to 56.7% of the total technology talent pool is in Greater Dublin and the city has the highest demand for jobs, with close to 56% of the total jobs advertised in Ireland available in Greater Dublin.   

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