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44% of Irish employers report a gender pay gap in their organisation

23 October 2025

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  • SD Worx research finds only half (50%) of employees in Ireland believe that pay decisions in their organisation are fair and unbiased
  • Employers are preparing for the EU Pay Transparency Directive, which is set to be transposed into Irish law by June 2026
  • Almost half of employers (49%) admit to having a gender imbalance in senior roles
  • Additionally, just 39% of employees say that their organisation ensures transparency when it comes to compensation
  • Meanwhile, 65% of employers are actively working to eliminate income inequality among employees
     

SD Worx Ireland, a leading payroll and HR solutions provider, today announces new survey results which reveal 44% of Irish employers admit that there is a gender pay gap in their organisation. 

As businesses prepare for the EU Pay Transparency Directive, there is a feeling among both employees and employers that more progress needs to be made in the areas of pay transparency and equity. This is reflected by the fact that only half (50%) of employees believe that pay decisions in their organisation are fair and unbiased. The EU Pay Transparency Directive, aimed at enhancing wage transparency and reducing gender pay gaps, will be transposed into Irish law and extend to all businesses by June 2026.

Independent research from SD Worx, carried out by iVOX, surveyed 1,000 employees and 300 employers in Ireland on topics relating to gender pay gaps and pay transparency. In addition, the survey revealed that nearly half (49%) of employers in Ireland say that they have a gender imbalance in senior roles, which is the highest percentage amongst their European counterparts. 

When it comes to openness around pay, just 39% of employees say that their organisation ensures compensation transparency. This includes clear communication around pay gaps, reward policies, packages, and pay increases.

The survey suggests that employers are aware that they need to do more in this area, with almost two-thirds saying that they are investing in greater pay transparency (62%) and actively working to eliminate income inequality among employees (65%). While organisations evidently have improvements to make by June 2026, SD Worx’s research reflects a willingness to comply by the vast majority. Some 78% of employers in Ireland report that they stay informed on, and actively monitor, EU regulations affecting human resources.

    This research underscores the laser focus that must be placed on pay transparency and equity among Irish businesses. Employers need to prioritise addressing these key issues or they risk losing their employees to more forward-thinking organisations. However, despite some concerning findings, there are positive indications from our research that employers are aware of the need to pursue change. The upcoming EU Directive, set to take effect next year, will reshape how organisations approach fairness and transparency in pay. It is now more important than ever that employers make a concerted effort to engage with their employees and commit to a strong culture of equality and clarity. Employers who are proactive will not only meet future legal requirements but enhance trust, retain talent, and build a competitive edge in the marketplace.”
    Eimear Byrne

    Eimear Byrne

    Ireland Country Lead

    SD Worx Ireland

    Survey methodology

    The research was carried out by iVOX on behalf of SD Worx in February 2025 across 1,000 employees and 300 employers in the Republic of Ireland. The survey was conducted in 16 European countries: Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. A total of 5,625 employers and 16,000 employees were surveyed. 

     

      About SD Worx

      SD Worx believes that success starts with people. A thriving workforce doesn’t just ​build a thriving company, ​it also contributes to society.​ Together with its customers, SD Worx sparks successful HR​ that benefits work, life and society.​

      As the trusted leading European HR and payroll solutions provider for all organisations and workers, SD Worx delivers software, services and expertise across payroll & reward, human capital management and workforce management. SD Worx has deep roots across Europe and has been leading the way for eight decades together ​with its customers, employers big and small, to spark ​employee engagement that ignites success at the heart of their ​business.​

      About 95,000 small and large organisations across Europe place their trust in SD Worx. The almost 10,000 colleagues operate in 27 countries. SD Worx calculates the salaries of approximately 6 million employees and ranks among the top five worldwide. It achieved a revenue of EUR 1.180 billion in 2024. 

      More info on www.sdworx.com / Follow us via LinkedIn 

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      Máirín O'Sullivan
      Máirín O'Sullivan Marketing Manager IE