The new research paints the picture for the year ahead for staffing measures.
According to a survey by the Institute of Directors (IOD), over a third of businesses think full offices won't be back until April.
It pales in comparison to the numbers that only 14% think their workers will be back in January or February.
It comes as cases of Covid-19 have risen in the country and many are back to working from home.
Business leaders say more restrictions are the biggest worry facing them coming into the New Year.
Most staff won't be back in the office/workplace until between April and June, according to 37pc of business leaders polled by the Institute of Directors in Ireland. The survey shows 16pc of business leaders don't expect staff to be back until March, while 10pc say it will be Q3.
— Gabrielle Monaghan (@GabbyMonaghan) January 4, 2022
Despite the lack of optimism about returning to offices, the IOD respondents are confident for 2022.
They think the new year will be a good one for the economy, with more optimistic than pessimistic.
7% of those who took the survey say their offices are working remotely for the future.
The second biggest problem facing companies is staff shortages according to the IOD.
That's followed by supply chain issues and the rising cost of raw materials.
