Skills shortages forcing organisations to adopt ‘attitude over aptitude approach to hiring

Hays report finds three-quarters of employers willing to invest in upskilling

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The Hays Ireland Salary & Recruiting Trends Guide 2026 has highlighted significant shifts in employer and employee sentiment as organisations prepare for the year ahead.

Economic optimism has dipped significantly with only 20% of employers and employees feeling confident about long-term prospects – down from 49% and 27% respectively last year.

Skill shortages remain a challenge, with 96% of employers experiencing shortages in the past year. Employee concerns over limited career progression (54%) and development opportunities (51%) rose, while pay dissatisfaction grew from 34% to 44%.

These trends signal a rapidly evolving labour market – one where expectations are shifting, competition for talent is increasing, and both employers and employees must adapt to market trends. Yet within these challenges lie significant opportunities.

A significant majority (86%) of organisations said the planned to hire in the next 12 months and 81% expected to increase salaries, demonstrating a strong commitment to talent investment.

Employers are also said they were adopting inclusive hiring strategies prioritising attitude and willingness to learn, with 76% stating that they would hire candidates without all the required skills and invest in upskilling them. More than two-thirds (67%) would also hire young professionals without industry experience. Only 25% said they would not hire a candidate without a third level degree.

The 2026 Guide also revealed that employees increasingly value wellbeing, flexibility, and growth. Half would not accept a role without hybrid working, and 58% would take lower pay for better work-life balance. Despite this, 46% of employees rated their balance as average or poor, and 58% reported working overtime.

Senior managing director for Hays Ireland Barney Ely said: “The decline in optimism is being met with decisive action from organisations which are pivoting to an ‘attitude over aptitude’ approach. By investing in upskilling and embracing the demand for flexibility, employers are not just competing for existing talent, but actively building their future workforce to navigate persistent skill shortages.”

TechCentral Reporters

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