The New Rules of Talent: Ireland’s Workplace Trends 2025
I recently checked in with some senior HR leaders who I worked with over the last 10 years both as candidates I placed and clients I placed HR talent with.I was curious to see if they were experiencing first hand the changes in Ireland’s workplace that I was seeing and hearing about. They confirmed unanimously that Ireland’s workplace is undergoing a quiet revolution. From hybrid work becoming standard to AI reshaping recruitment, the expectations of employees and the demands on HR leaders have shifted dramatically. If you're in HR or Talent Acquisition, this isn’t just noise, it’s a call to evolve.
Here’s what’s happening, and more importantly, what it means for HR professionals.
Hybrid is the Baseline, Not the Bonus
Irish professionals now expect flexibility as standard. With 62% of employers offering hybrid arrangements and 74% planning to maintain them, rigid work models are becoming a liability. Last year our clients were briefing us on job requirements that included a strong move back to the office, strategically reducing their hybrid offerings. However, HR Hire is seeing a U-Turn here, as many sought after candidates rejected offers from companies who did not offer hybrid working models. And moreover, talent left organisations that were moving back to a less flexible working model, taking up roles with more flexible work cultures, even if it meant a pay or benefit cut.
What it means for HR:
Flexibility must be embedded into job design, culture, and leadership training. It’s not just about where people work , it’s about how they thrive and how employees are valued.
AI is Here But It Needs a Human Touch
AI is no longer experimental. Nearly a third of Irish employers are using it to streamline hiring processes. But with great efficiency comes great responsibility. Many of HR Hire’s candidate base have reported getting automatic declines to their job applications, where they should have met the basic criteria for consideration. This is fueling an increasingly poor candidate experience and a negative brand impact for companies.
What it means for HR:
Upskilling is essential. HR teams must learn to use AI ethically and transparently, ensuring fairness and trust in every step of the candidate journey.
The Great Dissatisfaction is Driving Turnover
61% of Irish workers plan to change jobs this year. The top reason? Lack of career progression. Employees aren’t just looking for a job, they’re looking for growth.
What it means for HR:
Career pathing needs to be visible, actionable, and supported. Internal mobility, mentorship, and regular development conversations are now retention strategies.
HR and General Employee Burnout is a Real Risk
With high expectations and a tight labour market, employees are under pressure. One in three in HR have reported elevated stress levels.
What it means for HR:
Sustainable recruitment models matter. Investing in automation, redistributing workloads, and prioritising employee wellbeing will protect both talent pipelines and employer reputation.
Skills Are the New Currency
Irish employers are shifting focus from degrees to real-world capabilities. Adaptability, problem-solving, and certifications are gaining ground.
What it means for HR:
Job descriptions should reflect competencies, not credentials. Skills-based hiring opens doors to more diverse and capable candidates and builds a more resilient workforce.
Gen Z Is Redefining the Workplace
Purpose, transparency, and flexibility aren’t negotiable for Gen Z. They’re influencing everything from employer branding to tech adoption.
What it means for HR:
Authenticity is key. DEI, sustainability, and values must be more than slogans,they need to be visible in everyday decisions and culture.
These trends aren’t just operational ,they’re existential. HR is no longer seen as a support function; it’s a strategic engine for growth, culture, and resilience. The organisations that adapt will attract the best talent, build stronger teams, and lead the future of work in Ireland.
It has never been more critical to get your hiring strategy right. At HR Hire we offer a free consultation to employers looking to hire and who need a tailored approach to hiring in today’s market.
