The Working in Ireland Survey 2025 offers a detailed new picture of how employment is changing across the island of Ireland. The first all-island findings examine generative artificial intelligence, low pay, job quality, and workplace health and wellbeing.
Working in Ireland Survey examines a changing labour market
Launched jointly by Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department for the Economy, the research builds on the 2021 Working in Ireland Survey. For the first time, the programme captures the experiences of workers both north and south of the border.
The study was led by Professor John Geary and researchers at University College Dublin, with support from public-sector and research partners. Fieldwork was conducted by Ipsos B&A between 15 May and 28 August 2025, involving more than 4,300 workers.
Generative AI brings opportunities and challenges
One of the three papers focuses on the growing use of generative AI in working life. Workers reported productivity improvements and greater efficiency, but the research also highlights concerns about training, skills development, preparedness, and how the gains from new technology will be distributed.
The findings are relevant to employers, policymakers and education providers as workplaces adapt to rapid technological change. Government bodies, including gov.ie and Enterprise Ireland, will have an important role in supporting skills development and responsible innovation.
Low pay is only one part of job quality
The low-pay research argues that the quality of employment cannot be assessed by hourly earnings alone. Working hours, job security, career progression and workplace conditions also shape whether a job provides sustainable economic security.
This broader approach is important for labour-market policy and workplace enforcement. Organisations such as the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), the Revenue Commissioners and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) contribute to the wider evidence and regulatory environment surrounding employment in Ireland.
Working in Ireland Survey links workplace conditions with wellbeing
The third paper examines health and wellbeing among workers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It identifies positive links between wellbeing and supportive management, constructive workplace relationships and opportunities for employees to have a voice.
By contrast, intense workloads and insecurity can harm workers’ health. The findings underline the importance of workplace practices that support both productivity and employee welfare. The Health Service Executive (HSE), the Department of Health and employment stakeholders may find the evidence useful when considering the relationship between working conditions and health outcomes.
Implications for workers, employers and policymakers
The survey is intended to support better-informed policy and workplace discussion. Its findings may help decision-makers consider:
- how workers can be trained for AI-enabled workplaces;
- how job security and progression can be improved;
- how employers can strengthen workplace wellbeing;
- how labour-market policy can support participation, productivity and competitiveness.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke welcomed the research, while Minister of State Alan Dillon highlighted its relevance to workers’ rights, statutory sick pay, minimum-wage policy and flexible and remote-working arrangements. Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the evidence would support the Good Jobs agenda.
Further Working in Ireland Survey research expected
The three papers represent the first phase of publications from the 2025 survey. Further studies are expected over the coming months, adding to understanding of working life, technological change and employment conditions across the island.
Key takeaway: the Working in Ireland Survey shows that the future of work must be measured through more than productivity or pay. Skills, security, meaningful progression and wellbeing will all shape whether technological change delivers genuinely good jobs.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie