Almost half of tech job seekers have turned down roles due to poor recruitment experiences, while employers are increasingly expanding talent pools through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, according to the newly published Stelfox Salary Guide 2026.
Against this backdrop, AI adoption in Irish businesses has surged to 91%, nearly doubling from 49% in 2024, placing Ireland ahead of many of its European counterparts. The leading Irish tech-recruitment consultants say that research conducted for the annual guide shows that Ireland’s technology recruitment market is transforming rapidly, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
“AI has moved from buzzword to business essential,” said Jennifer Dillon, Managing Director of Stelfox.
“What’s remarkable is not just how quickly Irish companies are adopting it, but how deeply it’s reshaping the skills market. Ireland’s combination of a strong tech ecosystem, skilled workforce and supportive policy environment puts us in a leading position to harness AI’s full potential.”
AI at the Heart of Business Transformation
Half of Irish companies now believe AI will directly enhance productivity, an 18% increase on last year. 8% of tech employers surveyed have gone a step further, adopting an AI-first strategy by integrating it across every division.
However, Stelfox cautions that research shows 80% of employees are already using free AI tools without enterprise-level security controls, highlighting the growing need for governance, training, and safe implementation.
“The next challenge for Irish businesses is making AI safe, scalable and people-centred,” Ms Dillon explained.
“Access to AI expertise and targeted upskilling will decide who leads and who lags behind in 2026.”
Skills-Based Hiring a Nationwide Priority
As Ireland’s economy grows, demand for specialised skills is intensifying, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, big data analytics, robotics, and the green transition.
- 76% of organisations upskilled their staff in the past year
- 46% of business leaders undertook upskilling or mentoring themselves
“Employers are realising that hiring for skills, not just titles, is key to staying competitive,” said Ms Dillon.
“We’re seeing job roles being redefined across every sector – and those who invest in learning now will future-proof both their workforce and their business.”
Hybrid and Flexible Work Remain Non-Negotiable
Stelfox report that Ireland continues to lead Europe in hybrid working adoption. Despite high-profile return-to-office initiatives, employees remain resistant to losing flexibility.
- 92% of employees would leave their current role for one offering greater flexibility
- 43% of key professional and tech jobs offer hybrid or remote options
- 26% increase in the application of compulsory office “anchor days”
“Flexibility has become the deal-breaker,” Ms Dillon said.
“Companies that insist on rigid structures are finding it harder to attract or retain talent. There’s no one-size-fits-all model, but flexibility has to be part of the package.”
The Rise of the Multigenerational Workplace
Stelfox report that five generations – Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z – are now active in Ireland’s workforce. Each brings distinct values, expectations, and working styles.
“We’re seeing a real blending of experience and innovation,” Ms Dillon noted.
“Younger employees expect rapid career development and access to mentoring, while more experienced staff are adapting to new technologies and flexible structures. Smart employers are learning to bridge these worlds.”
To stay competitive, companies are encouraged to foster innovation, invest in continuous learning, and focus on sustainability as a workforce priority.
DEI Remains Central to Recruitment Strategies
“While some global organisations have rolled back Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) commitments, Ireland continues to move in the opposite direction,” said Ms Dillon.
“Diversity and fairness aren’t optional in Ireland’s talent market. With regulation tightening, companies that lead on transparency and inclusion will also lead on reputation and retention.”
The report also showed:
- 47% of employers are expanding their talent pools through DEI initiatives
- 49% of job seekers in tech have turned down a role due to a poor recruitment experience
The forthcoming EU Pay Transparency Directive (2026) is expected to further strengthen fairness in pay and hiring practices through bans on pay secrecy, mandatory gender pay gap reporting, and transparency rights for job applicants.
What Drove Jobseekers in 2025 and What They Are Looking for in 2026
According to the Stelfox Salary Guide 2026, Irish professionals are becoming increasingly selective about their career choices. Top motivators include:
- Salary – 51%
- Work-life balance – 31%
- Job security – 29%
More than one in five professionals are currently seeking new opportunities, with pay remaining the leading driver of career change.
Ms Dillon explained,
“Salary still matters most – especially against the backdrop of rising living costs – but flexibility and purpose are catching up fast. Employers who can align competitive pay with meaningful work and genuine balance will have the edge.”
A Resilient and Expanding Labour Market
Despite global challenges, the Irish labour market continues to perform strongly. Employment surpassed 2.8 million for the first time in 2025, marking a 3.3% increase on the previous year.
“Ireland’s tech and professional sectors remain remarkably resilient,” said Ms Dillon.
“The key to sustaining this strength is adaptability – ensuring people and skills evolve in step with technology and innovation.”
Actions for Businesses in 2026
To stay competitive in the year ahead, Stelfox is advising organisations to:
- Prioritise strategic workforce planning to ensure the right people and skills are in place
- Focus on critical skills development and maintain an active reskilling plan
- Build an agile workforce through continuous learning and development
“Adaptability is the new stability,” Ms Dillon concluded.
“Businesses that plan strategically, invest in people, and embrace smart technology will be the ones driving Ireland’s next phase of growth.”
