A new SD Worx Ireland study points to a growing disconnect in business news around pay, promotions and trust at work. For readers following business news ireland, the standout finding is simple: many employees feel underpaid, even as employers say they are preparing for tougher transparency rules. That matters for Irish startups, SME Ireland employers and larger Irish companies alike, because pay clarity is quickly becoming part of workplace culture, career development and business growth.
The research, based on surveys of 1,000 employees and 301 employers, found that 22% of workers do not believe their pay fairly reflects the work they do. Only 11% of employers agree they are not compensating staff adequately. One detail will resonate with many professionals: 24% said they got a promotion in the past year without a pay rise.
Business news ireland: pay transparency is moving up the agenda
The EU Pay Transparency Directive is due to be brought into Irish law, although the Government has said Ireland will miss the June 2026 deadline. Even so, employers appear to be getting ready:
- 68% say they already have processes in place to comply
- 69% are investing in greater pay transparency
- 58% regularly review pay data for possible gaps
- 24% already share salary bands or pay ranges with staff
That is a useful signal for founders and SME owners watching ireland business news and ireland entrepreneur news. Clearer salary structures are no longer just an HR issue; they are becoming part of retention, hiring and reputation.
What workers and employers should do next
Employee confidence remains a weak point. Just 45% feel comfortable asking for a raise, with a clear gender gap between men and women. Meanwhile, 30% are still unaware of the Directive and what it could mean for their rights.
For employers, the practical next step is better communication. For workers, it is worth understanding pay ranges, promotion criteria and the data behind any decision. This is where ireland business insights meet real daily working life.
Quick questions
- What changed in the research? More employers say they are preparing for transparency, but many staff still feel undervalued.
- Why does it matter for SME Ireland? Smaller firms compete hard on talent, so fairness and clarity can support retention.
- What should employees ask? Pay bands, promotion criteria and how salary reviews are handled.
For more practical reading, see our coverage of Irish startups, SME Ireland updates and workplace culture stories. The broader takeaway from business news ireland is clear: transparency may be coming slowly, but expectations around fair pay are moving faster.
