Hiring in Dublin 2025: What Employers Need to Know to Attract Top Talent

As Dublin’s job market evolves in 2025, employers face a unique blend of opportunity and challenge. The latest FRS Recruitment Employment Insights Report reveals a city navigating economic caution, shifting employee expectations, and a renewed focus on workplace flexibility. For businesses looking to attract and retain top talent, understanding these trends is essential.

Dublin’s Hiring Landscape: Optimism Meets Uncertainty

While 42% of Dublin professionals believe job opportunities will grow this year, 58% still fear for their job security. This dual sentiment reflects a cautious optimism, shaped by global economic pressures and local housing challenges.

Despite this, 60% of Dublin employers plan to hire within the next three months, an encouraging sign of resilience. However, 9 in 10 employers report difficulty securing suitable candidates, citing skills gaps and rising salary expectations.

Salary Expectations Are Driving Job Mobility

In 2025, 69% of Dublin employees say they would change jobs for a salary increase of 20% or less. Yet only 38% expect a raise in their current role. This disconnect is fueling job movement and making retention more difficult.

Employers must consider:

Transparent salary listings in job ads
Regular pay reviews
Competitive benefits packages

These factors are no longer optional, they’re expected.

The Return to Office: A Dublin Reality

Hybrid work remains popular, but 68% of Dublin employees have been asked to spend more days in the office. This shift is reshaping candidate expectations and influencing job decisions.

To stay competitive, employers should:

Offer flexible hybrid models
Communicate the value of in-person collaboration
Support work-life balance initiatives

AI and Upskilling: Preparing for the Future

Only 28% of Dublin workers believe AI will impact their role this year, but interest in upskilling is rising. Employers who invest in training, especially in tech and leadership will stand out in a competitive market.

How Employers Can Stand Out in Dublin’s 2025 Market

To attract top talent in Dublin, employers should focus on:

Salary transparency: 72% of candidates won’t apply if salary isn’t listed.
Streamlined hiring: Clear job ads, faster processes, and better communication.
Values alignment: ESG and company culture matter more than ever.
Upskilling support: Offer training in AI, leadership, and digital tools.

Final Thoughts

Dublin’s recruitment market in 2025 is dynamic, data-driven, and increasingly candidate-led. Employers who adapt to these trends by offering transparency, flexibility, and purpose will be best positioned to attract and retain the talent they need.