Ibec, the group representing Irish businesses, will today launch its latest HR Update Report at the annual HR Leadership Summit, highlighting key trends shaping HR practices in Irish workplaces.
The report, based on a survey of over 391 HR professionals, reveals that just 1% of organisations say they feel are fully prepared for the upcoming EU Pay Transparency Directive, due to take effect in June 2026.
Nearly one in three (27% ) report that preparation work is in progress, while 22% have yet to begin. However, when comparing 2024 to 2025 there was a 20% increase in those that said preparations are being planned.
Other key developments impacting organisations include the planned introduction of pension auto-enrolment, ongoing trends around remote and hybrid working, and the continued impact of AI in the workplace.
Top of the priorities for HR professionals next year is shifting investment away from recruitment and toward existing talent, with respondents prioritising workforce planning and business continuity - suggesting a growing emphasis on preparedness and long-term workforce sustainability.
In terms of the expected administrative impact of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, 25% of HR professionals identified categorising employees who perform the same work or work of equal value as a key challenge. A further 21% highlighted the requirement to make the criteria used to determine pay levels and progression accessible to employees.
Maeve McElwee, Executive Director of Employer Relations at Ibec, said they are getting a very clear snapshot of the current priorities for HR professionals – from talent and leadership development in a changing labour market to the impact of AI and new, significant pieces of legislation.
“Top of the list of legislative challenges is the new EU Pay Transparency Directive - arguably the most significant piece of EU employment legislation in decades.”
