Employee and Industrial Relations Salary Survey 2025

It goes without saying the Employee Relations (ER) profession plays a vital role within HR, managing the employer-employee relationship. 2024 those skilled in employment law, mediation, dispute resolution and
employee engagement.

The shift to remote and hybrid work models, continues to affect workplace relations. Employees increasingly expect flexibility, mental health support and work-life balance. ER teams are at the forefront of addressing these demands while managing the complexities of new working arrangements.

Recent legislative changes in areas such as gender pay gap reporting, equality, diversity and worker protections have increased the need for ER professionals resulting in more companies opting for inhouse
ER. Ireland’s tight job market has led to increased industrial action, driven by rising living costs and wage stagnation in certain sectors. Wage negotiations are expected to intensify as inflationary pressures continue. ER experts are essential in managing collective bargaining and mitigating disputes between employers and unions.

The public sector, healthcare and manufacturing have seen significant demand for ER expertise, driven by high unionisation and strict regulatory frameworks.

We’re likely going to see the introduction of stricter regulations around work-life balance, data privacy and employee monitoring. The emphasis on DEI initiatives will grow, with ER addressing workplace discrimination, pay equity and inclusive cultures. Managing these efforts will be crucial, especially for multinational companies.

We believe ER will become more strategic as businesses face challenges related to talent retention and company culture. ER will not only resolve disputes but also drive policies that enhance long-term employee engagement and organisational success. In short, they must be recognised as a strategic partner by the broader business to realise their full potential.