New research by Hays Ireland explores how organisations and their leaders are changing gears when it comes to skill.
Recruitment company Hays Ireland has published The Hays Ireland Salary and Recruiting Trends Guide 2026, highlighting the changing attitudes among employers and employees, particularly in relation to skill and workplace expectations.
More than three-quarters (76pc) of participating employers stated that they are now willing to hire candidates who don’t currently have all of the necessary skills, choosing instead to invest in upskilling. Moreover, 67pc said they would hire young professionals without industry experience and only 25pc say they would not hire a candidate without a third-level degree.
Between August and September, Hays collected data from more than 600 Ireland-based public and private sector employers and employees across a range of industries. What was discovered is that skills shortages are encouraging organisations to shift to a mindset and process that places attitude over aptitude when hiring.
The report also indicated that professionals are losing confidence in their long-term prospects, amid significant economic challenges. Only 20pc of contributing employers and employees were found to be hopeful about the future in the long term, down from 49pc and 27pc last year, respectively.
Skill shortages remain a challenge, with 96pc of employers experiencing shortages in the past year and a growing number of employees concerned that their career progression (54pc) and development opportunities (51pc) are limited. Pay dissatisfaction was also found to have grown among participants, from 34pc to 44pc.
The report said: “These trends signal a rapidly evolving labour market – one where expectations are shifting, competition for talent is increasing, and both employers and employees must adapt to market trends. Yet within these challenges lie significant opportunities.”
Seize the moment
The report does however acknowledge the potential for opportunity in the new year, indicating that 86pc of organisations plan to hire in the next 12 months. A further 81pc expect to increase salaries, “demonstrating a strong commitment to talent investment”.
Employees who took part in the report identified several areas of increasing value to them, such as wellbeing, flexibility and opportunities for growth, with half also explaining that they would not accept a role that didn’t give them the option of hybrid working. 58pc revealed that they would accept lower compensation in exchange for improved work-life balance.
The report said: “This marks the emergence of a new era of work. One defined by flexibility, empowerment, technology and career development. It is a clear call for employers to step up, invest, train, and build workplaces that truly support their people.”
Commenting on the findings, senior managing director for Hays Ireland, Barney Ely said: “The decline in optimism is being met with decisive action from organisations which are pivoting to an ‘attitude over aptitude’ approach. By investing in upskilling and embracing the demand for flexibility, employers are not just competing for existing talent, but actively building their future workforce to navigate persistent skill shortages.”
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