Our findings at a glance
86
%
of employers plan to hire staff in the year ahead, almost no change from last year (85%)
61
%
of employees plan to move jobs in the year ahead, an increase from 52% who said the same in 2023
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
There remains a degree of uncertainty in the market, but hiring plans for the year ahead remain busy and employees are showing a renewed interest in changing jobs for those that offer more robust career progression opportunities.
SKILLS IN DEMAND
Almost all employers have faced skills shortages over the last
12 months, continuing a trend from recent years. Various actions are being taken to address skills gaps, including a focus on upskilling and reskilling existing staff.
93
%
of employers faced skills shortages over the last year, almost no change from 94% the year prior
82
%
of employers would be likely to hire an individual who does not possess all the required skills, with the intention of upskilling them
AI IN THE WORKPLACE
The use of AI in the workplace continues to evolve, and professionals identify a range of benefits of using AI tools in their jobs. However, skills gaps are evident and training support is often lacking despite employee enthusiasm to upskill.
70
%
of employers expect their organisation will allow staff to use AI tools in the future
84
%
of employees have not received any training or support from their employer to adopt AI technologies in their work, although 80% would be willing to upskill in this area
SALARY STRATEGIES
Salaries continue to increase for the most in-demand roles as employers aim to attract and retain talent. However, pay transparency is a crucial issue that could negatively affect hiring plans.
51
%
of professionals do not think their organisation is transparent about how pay levels and pay rises are set
79
%
of employers increased salaries in the last 12 months, and 76% plan to do so in the year ahead
BENEFITS & WAYS OF WORKING
Flexible working is one of the top most important benefit that employees value. Understanding employee preferences and aligning ways of working with these can make all the difference to hiring and retention strategies.
51
%
of employees would not consider accepting a job in the future that didn’t offer hybrid working
62
%
of employers offer hybrid working to staff, and 74% expect their approach to hybrid working to stay the same in 2025
ATTRACTING TALENT
There are many factors that candidates consider when deciding on a new role. A one-size-fits-all approach isn’t enough when hiring - tailoring your offering is the key to securing in-demand talent.
62
%
of professionals have left a job in the past because it didn’t match the expectations they gained during the application process
33
%
of employees are not satisfied in their current job because of a lack of career development opportunities (50%), a lack of career progression (48%) and their salary being too low (44%)
HAYS IRELAND SALARY & RECRUITING TRENDS 2025
Thanks for requesting access to our 2025 guide, one of our expert consultants will be in touch shortly to discuss the findings in more detail. In the meantime, here’s a snapshot of the key employment and workforce trends based on our survey of almost 1,150 respondents from across the country. Our research explores how the world of work has changed over the last 12 months and identifies the expected challenges and opportunities for the year ahead so you’re better equipped to find and secure the talent you need.
Top three factors that make an organisation most appealing to employees when considering a new role
Tailored flexible working practices
69
%
60
%
Job security
An engaging and supportive team culture
55
%
Top three benefits that employees value the most
36
%
Health insurance or private medical cover
29
%
Additional holiday days
25
%
Flexible working
What are the primary benefits of AI in the workplace, according to employees?
Support in data analysis
42
%
41
%
Creativity and idea generation
Increased productivity and efficiency
38
%
Steps employers have taken to address skills shortages
Allowed employees study leave for external training
47
%
Adopt flexible working approaches
37
%
28
%
Developed own talent at entry level
Hired temporary or contract workers
25
%
Top reasons employees moved jobs last year
Salary too low
Lack of career progression
22
%
25
%
86
%
of employers plan to hire staff in the year ahead, almost no change from last year (85%)
61
%
of employees plan to move jobs in the year ahead, an increase from 52% who said the same in 2023
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
There remains a degree of uncertainty in the market, but hiring plansfor the year ahead remain busy and employees are showing a renewed interest in changing jobs for those that offer more robust careerprogression opportunities.
SKILLS IN DEMAND
Almost all employers have faced skills shortages over the last 12months, continuing a trend from recent years. Various actions are being taken to address skills gaps, including a focus on upskilling and reskilling existing staff.
93
%
of employers faced skills shortages over the last year, almost no change from 94% the year prior
82
%
of employers would be likely to hire an individual who does not possess all the required skills,with the intention of upskilling them
AI IN THE WORKPLACE
The use of AI in the workplace continues to evolve, and professionals identify a range of benefits of using AI tools in their jobs. However, skills gaps are evident and training support is often lacking despite employee enthusiasm to upskill.
70
%
of employers expect their organisation will allow staff to use AI tools in the future
84
%
of employees have not received any training or support from their employer to adopt AI technologies in their work, although 80% would be willing to upskill in this area
SALARY STRATEGIES
Salaries continue to increase for the most in-demand roles as employers aim to attract and retain talent. However, pay transparency is a crucial issue that could negatively affect hiring plans.
51
%
of professionals do not think their organisation is transparent about how pay levels and pay rises are set
79
%
of employers in creased salaries in the last 12 months, and 76% plan to do so in the year ahead
BENEFITS & WAYS OF WORKING
Flexible working is one of the top important benefit that employees value. Understanding employee preferences and aligning ways of working with these can make all the difference to hiring and retention strategies.
51
%
of employees would not consider accepting a jobin the future that didn’t offer hybrid working
62
%
of employers offer hybrid working to staff, and 74% expect their approach to hybrid working to stay the same in 2025
ATTRACTING TALENT
There are many factors that candidates consider when deciding on a new role. A one-size-fits-all approach isn’t enough when hiring - tailoring your offering is the key to securing in-demand talent.
62
%
of professionals have
left a job in the past
because it didn’t match
the expectations they
gained during the
application process
33
%
of employees are not satisfied in their current job because of a lack of career development opportunities (50%), a lack of career progression (48%) and their salary being too low (44%)
Our findings at a glance
hays IREland Salary
& recruiting
trends 2025
Thanks for requesting access to our 2025 guide, one of our expert consultants will be in touch shortly to discuss the findings in more detail. In the meantime, here’s a snapshot of the key employment and workforce trends based on our survey of almost 1,150 respondents from across the country. Our research explores how the world of work has changed over the last 12 months and identifies the expected challenges and opportunities for the year ahead so you’re better equipped to find and secure the talent you need.
Tailored flexible working practices
55
%
An engaging and supportive team culture
60
%
Job security
69
%
Top three factors that make an organisation most appealing to employees when considering
a new role
Support in data analysis
38
%
Increased productivity and efficie
41
%
Creativity and idea generation
42
%
What are the primary benefits of AI in the workplace, according to employees?
Hired temporary or contract workers
28
%
Reskilled existing employees into a new position
25
%
Developed own talent at entry level
37
%
Adopt flexible working approaches
47
%
Steps employers have taken to address skills shortages
Top reasons employees moved jobs last year
Lack of career progression
25
%
22
%
Talent retention
Top three benefits that employees value the most
36
%
Health insurance or private medical cover
29
%
Additional holiday days
25
%
Flexible working
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