Despite global geopolitics and economic challenges, job satisfaction in Ireland is on the rise.
There has been a notable rise in workplace optimism, with half of employees feeling positive about their career prospects over the next six months, according to Hays Ireland Spring Research.
This marks a significant improvement compared to findings from the Hays Ireland Salary & Recruiting Trends Guide 2025.
“In uncertain times, resilience and adaptability are key, and it is encouraging to see these qualities strongly reflected among Irish businesses”
The latest data indicates that 40% of employees are optimistic about the overall economy and external factors, showing a sharp increase from 27% in 2024.
From an employer perspective, 45% of respondents are optimistic about the economy and external factors. Though this represents a slight dip from 49% last year, encouragingly, only three percent of employers report feeling ‘not optimistic’.
Workplace sentiment
“As businesses navigate shifting workplace expectations amid global economic challenges – from economic volatility to geopolitical tensions – it is crucial for organisations to strike a balance between flexibility, career development, and employee incentives,” said Maureen Lynch, managing director of Hays Ireland.
“In uncertain times, resilience and adaptability are key, and it is encouraging to see these qualities strongly reflected among Irish businesses. The latest findings highlight the importance of fostering a supportive work environment to attract and retain the best talent, but also empowers professionals to thrive despite external challenges.”
Workplace sentiment among Irish employees has strengthened, with over half of respondents reporting job satisfaction, a new survey by Hays Ireland reveals.
However, recruitment remains a significant challenge, with 63% of organisations report their biggest external challenge is recruiting the right talent —a figure that has remained largely unchanged from 2024.
Beyond external challenges, employers also face internal obstacles, including talent retention, skill shortages, and managing organisational change.
Encouragingly, 51% of employees feel positive about their career prospects, providing a positive outlook for both job seekers and employers looking to secure top talent. Meanwhile, almost half of Irish employees are actively considering changing organisations, driven by salary concerns (45%) and limited career advancement opportunities (33%).
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