FRS Recruitment Employment Report 2026: Four Years Tracking the Irish Labour Market
The Irish labour market has changed significantly over the past four years.
Following a period of record recruitment activity, labour shortages and rapidly changing workplace expectations, Ireland has entered a more balanced phase where organisations are focusing less on hiring at all costs and more on retaining talent, developing their workforce and preparing for the future of work.
The FRS Recruitment Employment Report 2026 examines this evolution through the lens of four years of labour market research, combining long-term trend analysis with the latest findings from our 2026 Employment Insights Survey. The report explores how employer priorities, employee expectations and workplace practices have changed between 2023 and 2026, providing valuable insights for employers, HR professionals, business leaders and jobseekers alike.
Key findings from the report
Employers are prioritising retention over recruitment
One of the most significant shifts identified in this year's report is the changing focus of employers.
While attracting talent dominated business priorities in 2023, organisations are now placing greater emphasis on retaining experienced employees, developing internal capability and strengthening long-term workforce planning. Following a more cautious hiring environment in 2025, employer confidence has improved, but recruitment strategies have become more measured and strategic.
Salary continues to drive career decisions
Salary remains the single most important factor influencing employees when considering a new opportunity.
The report also highlights the growing importance of pay transparency, with increasing numbers of candidates choosing not to apply for roles where salary information is not provided. ๏ปฟEmployees are also more likely than ever to believe that changing employer offers the best opportunity to improve their earnings, reinforcing the need for organisations to remain competitive in both pay and benefits.
Flexible working has reached a new equilibrium
The debate around remote working has matured considerably.
Rather than continuing to shift towards fully remote work, organisations and employees have largely settled into sustainable hybrid and onsite working models. The conversation has evolved beyond where people work to how organisations create productive, collaborative and engaging workplaces that support both employee wellbeing and business performance.
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the workplace
Artificial Intelligence has emerged as one of the defining workplace trends of recent years.
The report finds that AI is increasingly being used to automate routine workplace tasks and improve productivity, while concerns among employees about its long-term impact continue to grow. Despite this, relatively few organisations have used AI to replace full job roles, suggesting its current influence is being felt primarily through task automation rather than workforce reduction.
The research also highlights an important challenge for employers. While AI adoption is accelerating, many organisations have yet to introduce formal AI policies or provide employees with the training needed to support its responsible and effective use.
A Labour Market Entering a New Phase
Taken together, the findings suggest that Ireland's labour market has moved beyond the immediate post-pandemic recruitment challenges and entered a more mature phase.
Employers are becoming increasingly strategic in how they attract, develop and retain talent, while employees continue to place greater emphasis on financial security, career progression, transparency and meaningful work. At the same time, technological change is reshaping the skills and capabilities organisations will require over the coming years.
Understanding these trends is essential for organisations looking to build resilient workforces and remain competitive in an evolving employment market.
Download the FRS Recruitment Employment Report 2026
The FRS Recruitment Employment Report 2026: Four Years Tracking the Irish Labour Market provides detailed analysis of the trends shaping employment across Ireland, combining four years of labour market insights with the latest perspectives from employers and employees nationwide.
Whether you're developing your recruitment strategy, planning your workforce, reviewing employee retention initiatives or simply seeking a better understanding of the Irish jobs market, this report offers practical, evidence-based insights to help inform your decisions.
