ABOUT THE SURVEY
The Collins McNicholas Workforce Insights Report 2025 was conducted to capture the perspectives and priorities of professionals actively seeking new career opportunities in Ireland.
Conducted between October 7th and 21st, 2025, the survey was distributed to 16,000 professionals from Collins McNicholas’ national database, representing a broad cross-section of industries, experience levels and regions across the country.
A total of 2,541 respondents completed the survey, providing a comprehensive data set that combines both quantitative and qualitative insights. The survey explored a range of themes, including career motivations, preferences for flexibility and hybrid working, employer brand perception and the impact of AI and automation on recruitment.
All responses were collected anonymously, ensuring candid and unbiased feedback, resulting in an objective and comprehensive analysis of the trends shaping the Irish employment landscape.
If you have any queries regarding the information provided in this guide, please contact Michelle Murphy at: michelle.murphy@collinsmcnicholas.ie or 091-706706.
Michelle Murphy Director
Collins
McNicholas Recruitment & HR Services Group
A total of 2,541 respondents completed the survey, providing a comprehensive data set that combines both quantitative and qualitative insights.”
When considering a new role, which single non-monetary benefit is your top priority?
WHAT PEOPLE HAD TO SAY
Hard to know the culture until you’re in the position. But it’s the most important staying factor.”
The most important thing is wanting to show up every day.”
It really depends on your stage of life at that moment in time, for example, I’m a mum of two babies so flexible working hours would be a priority. However a few years ago it would have been working on projects.
Company culture is a given also!”
Which of these would most likely cause you to turn down a job offer?
WHAT PEOPLE HAD TO SAY
Poor candidate experience discourages job seekers from applying or accepting roles because it signals how a company treats its people, damages trust, and tarnishes the employer brand.”
If the organisation lacks integrity, transparency, or a supportive environment, I would likely decline the offer regardless of other benefits.”
The culture can diminish an otherwise excellent organisation and a good one can elevate a moderate one.”
Has your company changed its hybrid or remote work policy in 2025?
Working a hybrid or remote model negatively affects opportunities for career advancement.
What is your single biggest source of frustration during the recruitment process?
Lack of communication from employers/agencies
Receiving impersonal automated responses
Lengthy hiring timelines /multiple interviews
Unclear/unrealistic job descriptions
Lack of transparency about salary/benefits
Poorly designed application systems
Unprepared interviewers /interviewing panel
Interviewer late or cancels with little/no notice
Automated messages makes the process more efficient.
Strongly disagree
Somewhat disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Somewhat agree
Strongly agree
A lack of human interaction makes me less interested in a company.
Strongly disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Somewhat agree
Strongly agree
Somewhat disagree
AI could unfairly screen out my applications.
Strongly disagree
Somewhat agree Neither agree nor disagree
Somewhat disagree
Somewhat disagree
Automated rejection emails feel impersonal and dismissive.
Strongly disagree
Strongly disagree
Somewhat disagree
WHAT PEOPLE HAD TO SAY
If you are using AI to screen candidates you won’t have the right to refuse applications generated by the same AI.”
I agree with using AI for some stages but once there has been an interview the feedback should be personal and not automated.”
If using AI in the process state that in the job description.”
Somewhat disagree
What is the one piece of advice you would give employers if using AI and automation in recruitment?
WHAT PEOPLE HAD TO SAY
Make the process faster and easier
Make AI decisions more transparent Use automation only at certain stages
Keep a human touch in the process
Don’t forget that there are humans at the end of your AI services. You could be missing out on a brilliant candidate because they didn’t flag with your algorithm.”
AI should only be used in communication feedback, and scheduling, removing the human element in HR could gradually destroy the department in the long run.”
Automation along with a personal touch works best in my experience.”
How important is the company brand in your decision to apply for a role?