Over the past few years, Ireland—like many other countries—has experienced a dramatic transformation in the way we work. What began as a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic has since evolved into a cultural and structural shift across the workforce. The home office, once viewed as a temporary solution, is now a permanent fixture in countless Irish households.

Although some companies have initiated return-to-office plans, a significant portion of the population continues to work remotely, either full-time or in a hybrid setup. According to a recent study by Ireland's Central Statistics Office (CSO), nearly one in four employees now works from home at least part of the week. And that number is expected to grow as digital infrastructure and employee expectations continue to evolve.

The New Standard for Productivity

With this shift comes a deeper investment in home office setups. What was once a laptop on a kitchen table has become a dedicated space with ergonomic furniture, second monitors, and quality peripherals. Employers are also recognizing the long-term benefits of remote work—including reduced overhead costs, access to broader talent pools, and improved employee satisfaction—and are supporting home office improvements through stipends or tax incentives.

Among the essentials in a modern home office, one often-overlooked item remains surprisingly relevant: the printer.

The Continued Importance of Printers

In an era of cloud storage and e-signatures, you might expect the printer to be on the verge of extinction. And yet, in many remote work scenarios, it remains indispensable. Whether it's printing out contracts, school forms, shipping labels, or detailed documents for review, printers offer a level of convenience that digital-only solutions can't fully replicate.

More surprisingly, home printer usage in Ireland actually increased during the pandemic and has remained steady. As reported by The Irish Times, sales of home office equipment spiked in 2020 and have since stabilized at a higher baseline than pre-pandemic years. This trend suggests that the printer continues to play a valuable role, especially in dual-purpose home offices where work and personal tasks overlap.

For those looking to invest in a reliable, affordable printer, Irish consumers are increasingly turning to local online retailers that offer fast delivery, competitive prices, and strong customer support.

Home Office Tech Trends in Ireland

Aside from printers, the biggest trends in home office upgrades include:

Noise-cancelling headsets for Zoom calls in shared households Standing desks to improve posture and reduce back pain Wi-Fi mesh systems to eliminate dead zones and improve connection stability LED lighting for better visibility and a professional appearance on video calls

Sustainability is also a growing consideration. Many remote workers are seeking energy-efficient devices and using recycled or remanufactured ink cartridges to reduce their environmental footprint.

Looking Ahead: A Flexible Future

As Ireland's workforce continues to embrace flexibility, the demand for well-equipped home offices is likely to grow. Employers, policymakers, and tech providers will need to stay ahead of this trend by offering the right tools, incentives, and services.

One thing is clear: remote work is no longer a trend—it's part of the new normal. And as we build our home offices for long-term productivity, classic tools like the printer are proving they still have a meaningful role to play in the digital age.