Recruitment and Employment Trends for 2025: What You Need to Know
2025 is here, and with it comes a fresh set of challenges and opportunities in the world of work. For job seekers and businesses alike, understanding the latest recruitment and employment trends is key to thriving in the year ahead. So, whether you’re a business leader strategising your hiring plans or a job seeker exploring opportunities with recruitment agencies in Dublin, here’s what’s changing and why it matters.
Minimum Wage Takes a Leap
Let’s start with the big one: as of January 1st, 2025, the minimum wage in Ireland has risen to €13.50 per hour. While this is great news for employees, businesses need to balance higher payroll costs with maintaining competitiveness. If you’re evaluating average salaries in Ireland or benchmarking pay for specific roles, now’s the time to check if your offer still stands out.
Sick Leave Gets an Upgrade
Feeling under the weather? In 2025, employees—whether permanent or on temporary assignments lasting over 13 weeks—are expected to receive up to seven days of paid sick leave. This enhancement reflects a growing emphasis on employee wellbeing. For employers, it’s worth noting that providing robust sick leave policies can improve retention and attract talent, especially as competition heats up.
However as of yet the Minister has yet to officially confirm the change from the current 5 days to 7 days.
Hybrid Work: The New Normal
Still hoping hybrid work is a passing phase? Think again. In 2024, 41% of employees in Ireland worked under a hybrid model, and demand is only increasing. Searches for hybrid opportunities have surged by 46%, with nearly half of job seekers stating they’d turn down a role without remote or flexible working options. The most common arrangement? Three days in the office, two days at home—although some lucky workers spend four days at home.
For businesses, hybrid work isn’t just about keeping employees happy; it’s about staying competitive. A whopping 38.4% of job postings in Ireland now offer hybrid arrangements, but with 20% of employers planning to increase office time, this could be a contentious issue.
Job Hopping on the Rise
Thinking about a career change? You’re not alone. An eye-opening 70% of the Irish workforce plans to change jobs in 2025. This means businesses will need to double down on employee engagement and retention strategies. Offering competitive salaries, hybrid options, and meaningful work is more critical than ever.
Permanent Recruitment Trends
While 75% of Irish employers plan to recruit for permanent roles this year, this figure marks an 11% decline compared to 2024. Could this be the year contract roles take the spotlight? For job seekers, this shift underscores the importance of flexibility in navigating the labour market.
The Skills Evolution
By the end of 2025, around 50% of the Irish labour force is expected to hold high-level qualifications. For employers, this trend means more specialised talent pools but also a need to offer roles that challenge and reward these highly skilled workers. For job seekers, it’s time to invest in upskilling if you want to stay competitive.
What This Means for You
For businesses: Partnering with recruitment companies in Dublin or job agencies specialising in your sector can streamline the hiring process. With labour market churn on the rise, having the right recruitment strategy is non-negotiable.
For job seekers: Whether you’re exploring opportunities with recruitment agencies in Dublin or simply updating your CV, 2025 is the year to focus on flexibility, skills, and aligning with employers who match your work-life balance needs.
At Hall Recruitment, we’re here to help businesses find top-tier talent and job seekers land roles that fit their ambitions. Let’s navigate the trends of 2025 together. For more insights, visit our website or get in touch with our team today.
Stay Ahead in 2025
The workplace is evolving faster than ever. By understanding recruitment and employment trends, you can make informed decisions that set you up for success. Keep an eye on this space for more updates, tips, and opportunities throughout the year.