Ifac’s hybrid working approach shortlisted for a national HR award

The annual CIPD awards reward innovation and excellence in the fields of HR, L&D, and people management. The Flexible and Hybrid Working category recognises organisations that have excelled in their response to COVID-19 and supported their people through the transition. 

ifac was shortlisted for providing flexible, future-focused working and choice for its teams in terms of how, when, and where work can be done, and all with consideration for their wellbeing and family commitments. 

Ifac has over 450 people looking after its clients’ needs. The firm formed and launched its new employee-centered hybrid work approach in 2021, built on trust and the many lessons learned since COVID-19 arrived in Ireland. It comprises three days in the office and two days from home, as well as all the basics such as being available during work hours when you are working from home, keeping cameras on for team meetings, and a clean desk/shared workspace policy.

Ifac Chief Executive, John Donoghue said:

“In the past couple of years, the pandemic has certainly changed the conversation on flexible and remote working. After surveying our teams to find out what they wanted, our hybrid work policy has been warmly welcomed across our organisation. With our structure of regional hubs (over 30 locations across the country), the lessons from COVID-19, as well as already having excellent people and the appropriate technology (e.g., Microsoft Azure), we brought our operations into one location in the Cloud over a single weekend with minimal client disruption. We also put supports in place to facilitate our hybrid approach, not only with the right equipment and ergonomic assessments but also with mental health support through our Employment Assistance Programme.

“We plan to grow our team at ifac and will be offering recruits the chance to live and work where they feel at home. This will lead to greater job satisfaction, improved work-life balance and reduced commuting times, as well as enhanced retention for the firm. It is great to be shortlisted for this national award and to acknowledge the great work and contribution to the firm our teams are continuing to make while currently working remotely. Many thanks to the award judges and sponsors, and most of all, to all our clients who continue to support us during these trying times.”

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony on the 25th of March 2022, following a rigorous two-round judging process.