IRISH WORKERS ARE far more likely to socialise with their work colleagues outside of work compared to other European workers, according to a new survey.

Recruitment company Robert Walters surveyed 6,700 professionals across eight European counties; Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland.

In Ireland, they found that 46% of workers socialise with each other outside of work, far higher than the European average of 18%.

Despite this, Irish people are divided over whether it’s actually important for workers to do this. When asked whether it was important to socialise in a non-work environment, Irish professional are split almost exactly down the middle, 49% Yes to 51% No.

The survey seems to suggest that Irish workers place a greater importance on other forms of bonding with colleagues. Team lunches and dinners seem to be the preferred method of employee team-building.

This particular method of team-building was in fact the favoured method across Europe.

Irish professionals

Source: RobertWalters.ie

European professionals

Source: RobertWalters.ie

It can be seen from the above graphs that Irish workers are more enthusiastic about nearly every suggested method of building working relationships than their European peers.

The only area where Irish workers’ enthusiasm appears to lag behind is in ‘off-site team building activities’, probably better known as away days.

Interestingly though, even though Irish workers socialise more with their work colleagues, they are less likely to be connected on social media.

Under 10% of the Irish professionals surveyed say they are connected to work colleagues through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

This is similar to the averaged figure across the eight countries but the use of LinkedIn and other work-based media is less prevalent in Ireland according to the research.

Irish professionals 

Source: Robert Walters

European professionals 

Source: Robert Walters

Perhaps surprisingly, given the levels of emigration amongst Irish people, professionals based here are more likely to say they would not consider moving abroad for work.

Irish professionals 

Source: Robert Walters

European professionals 

Source: Robert Walters

But what about the original question of socialising with your work colleagues, do you think it’s important? 

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