How are artificial intelligence, pay, job security and workplace wellbeing changing working life in Ireland? The first findings from the Working in Ireland Survey (WIIS) 2025 offer new insights into these questions, providing a valuable picture of workers' experiences across the island.
Launched on 5 November by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department for the Economy, the research is the first study of its kind to examine working life across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Drawing on the experiences of more than 4,300 workers, it explores some of the key issues influencing employment, career development and the quality of working life.
Led by Professor John Geary and his research team at University College Dublin (UCD), the project builds on the original 2021 Working in Ireland Survey. Its findings are intended to support policy development, inform employers and contribute to wider discussions about the future of work.
Three research papers were presented at the launch, focusing on generative artificial intelligence (AI), low pay, and worker health and wellbeing. Together, they highlight how technological change, employment conditions and access to development opportunities are influencing the modern labour market.
The growing use of generative AI is one of the most significant developments examined in the survey. The research finds that AI is becoming an increasingly important feature of working life across the island, with workers reporting productivity improvements and greater workplace efficiency.
However, the findings also highlight questions about training, skills development and how prepared employees are to use these technologies effectively.
As organisations introduce AI tools into their operations, employees may need to develop new digital capabilities and become more confident in applying technology to everyday tasks. This creates opportunities for professional development, particularly in areas such as digital literacy, data analysis, AI applications and technology management.
For people planning their next career move, understanding how AI is changing different occupations can help identify valuable skills to develop. Training can also help existing employees adapt to new systems and take advantage of emerging opportunities within their sectors.
The survey's research into low pay examines the extent and nature of low-paid employment across Ireland, highlighting the importance of looking beyond hourly earnings when assessing job quality.
Working hours, job security, career progression and general working conditions all influence the experience of employment. A role may offer a particular salary, but opportunities to gain experience, develop professionally and progress within an organisation also contribute to long-term career satisfaction.
For employees, this underlines the value of building skills that can support progression and improve access to new opportunities. Professional qualifications, vocational training and further education can help people strengthen their experience and prepare for roles with greater responsibility.
Employers also have an important role in providing opportunities for development, supporting career progression and creating conditions that encourage staff retention.
Health and wellbeing form the third major area of research. The findings identify strong connections between workplace conditions and employee wellbeing, with supportive management, positive relationships between colleagues and opportunities for employees to have their voices heard associated with better outcomes.
Conversely, high work intensity and job insecurity can have a negative impact on workers' health and wellbeing.
These findings reinforce the importance of management skills, communication and creating supportive working environments. Managers need to understand how workload, organisational culture and employee engagement affect their teams.
Training in leadership, people management, communication, conflict resolution and employee wellbeing can help organisations strengthen these areas. It can also equip individuals with the skills required to take on supervisory and management responsibilities.
The Working in Ireland Survey provides useful evidence at a time when businesses and employees are responding to significant changes in the labour market.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke welcomed the research, describing it as an important contribution to understanding working life across the island.
He said:
"The Working in Ireland Survey is a significant contribution to our understanding of work across the island of Ireland. The findings launched today provide valuable insights into the impact of artificial intelligence, low pay and worker wellbeing, and will help inform policy and workplace practice in the years ahead."
Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail Alan Dillon highlighted the importance of drawing on workers' experiences when developing employment policy. He noted that the survey provides a stronger evidence base on AI, low pay, job quality and workplace wellbeing.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald also welcomed the findings, emphasising the importance of secure, fairly paid and fulfilling employment as part of the Good Jobs agenda.
For workers, the research highlights the importance of keeping skills relevant, understanding changing employment requirements and considering professional development throughout their careers. For employers, it provides an opportunity to reflect on training provision, recruitment, retention and the conditions that support productive and healthy teams.
One of the key messages emerging from the research is the importance of preparation. Technological developments, changing employment expectations and greater attention to job quality are creating new demands across many industries.
Lifelong learning can help people respond to these changes. Developing digital skills, gaining professional qualifications or improving management and communication abilities can all contribute to career progression. Training in areas such as artificial intelligence, business, leadership, health and safety, and personal development can also help employees prepare for changing responsibilities.
The survey's findings provide a useful starting point for individuals considering their next learning opportunity. Identifying the skills needed in a current or future role can help make training decisions more focused and relevant.
The Working in Ireland Survey 2025 marks the first phase of a wider research programme, with further papers examining other aspects of working life due to be published over the coming months.
As the world of work continues to change, access to relevant training and education will remain important for individuals seeking to build sustainable careers and employers aiming to develop skilled, adaptable teams.
