Irish employers shift hiring to attitude over aptitude amid skills shortage, Hays Ireland study finds

New research by Hays Ireland reveals a marked shift in recruitment strategies across the country.

The Hays Ireland Salary and Recruiting Trends Guide 2026 shows organisations are increasingly prioritising candidate attitude over existing skills to address persistent workforce gaps.

More than three-quarters (76%) of participating employers stated they are now willing to hire candidates who do not yet possess all necessary skills, opting to invest in upskilling.

Additionally, 67% would hire young professionals without industry experience, and only 25% reported refusing candidates lacking a third-level degree.

Between August and September, Hays surveyed over 600 Ireland-based public and private sector employers and employees across multiple industries.

The research found that skills shortages are prompting organisations to rethink hiring processes, creating a focus on potential and adaptability over traditional qualifications.

The report also indicates growing concern among professionals about long-term career prospects, with only 20% expressing optimism—down from 49% and 27% last year, respectively.

Skill shortages remain acute, with 96% of employers reporting gaps over the past year. Employees also cited limitations in career progression (54%) and development opportunities (51%), alongside rising pay dissatisfaction, increasing from 34% to 44%.

Despite these challenges, 86% of organisations plan to hire in the next 12 months, and 81% anticipate salary increases, “demonstrating a strong commitment to talent investment.”

Employees value wellbeing, flexibility, and growth opportunities, with half unwilling to accept roles without hybrid options, and 58% willing to trade higher pay for better work-life balance.

Barney Ely, senior managing director at Hays Ireland, noted that organisations are responding to declining optimism by focusing on upskilling and flexibility, actively building a future-ready workforce to address ongoing skill shortages.

Explore the full article on Hays Ireland 2026 guide for detailed insights on recruitment and workforce planning.