Almost 70% of the Irish workforce is planning to change jobs in 2025, a new survey has found.

According to the digital salary and employment survey conducted by Prosperity Recruitment, there is a “significant shift” in the way Irish workers are viewing employment.

Impacting factors include salary stagnation, return to office demands, growing uncertainty and evolving career aspirations among employees amidst a dynamic economic landscape.

Job cuts

The survey revealed that 44% of employees have seen their companies experience a workforce reduction over the past year.

Meanwhile, 53% of managers have acknowledged that external factors such as geopolitical instability, economic challenges and technological disruption are influencing their decision-making.

This external pressure is “reshaping strategic priorities across industries”, according to Prosperity Recruitment.

Uncertainty

Two-in-three workers reported increased professional uncertainty with driving factors including layoffs, limited job opportunities, rising living costs and the disruptive potential of AI technologies.

Especially in the marketing and professional services sectors, jobseekers are feeling the pressure of a more competitive job market.

Despite these challenges there is a strong desire for growth and stability in a rapidly changing market.

“As businesses navigate these turbulent times, understanding employee intentions and external pressures is crucial for strategic planning,” Prosperity CEO Gary Mullan said.

Artificial Intelligence

Over 68% of workers now use ChatGPT at least once a week, reflecting a notable 20% increase from last year.

This shift “indicates the growing integration of AI tools into everyday tasks”, as more businesses “adopt these technologies for efficiency and support” Prosperity Recruitment said.

Despite concerns that AI leads to job losses, the survey found that 81% of employees now believe their jobs will evolve rather than be replaced by AI in the coming years.

Salaries

Salary expectations for 2025 are projected to remain flat.

Businesses are adopting a “cautious approach to compensation” as ongoing uncertainties in the global economy continue.

Broader trends indicate that companies are prioritizing “stability and caution” over “aggressive salary hikes”.

An office block in Dublin with workers at their desks, 19-11-13. Image: Chris Cooper-Smith / Alamy