Getting started with pay transparency means kicking things off with clear and open communication about your reward policies. While many companies are already diving into this, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Our research shows that fewer than two-thirds of employers are fully up-to-date on the legal rules around pay transparency, which should be the backbone of your approach. So, where does your company stand compared to the rest? 

Pay transparency is more than just a buzzword; it’s a critical component of a fair and equitable workplace. According to our research, promoting financial wellbeing (46%) and pay transparency (43%) are among the top challenges employers face on the reward front in Ireland. Despite these challenges, only 43% of employees in Ireland are satisfied with the transparency of their organisation’s reward policy, and 49% are satisfied with the communication about this policy and any changes to it.

Surprisingly, 29% of employers in Ireland do not have or plan to offer any health and well-being benefits. This is a significant oversight, especially when 44% of employees are currently experiencing financial stress, a major contributor to overall mental health challenges. 

It’s a delicate balancing act: our research found that 50% of employers in Ireland are struggling to find the sweet spot between offering attractive rewards and keeping labour costs in check. With 51% of employers noting that total wage costs are on the rise and the average salary increase projected at 10% for the coming year, the pressure is on to manage budgets wisely

An effective rewards strategy should be centrally aligned to the goals and ambitions of your wider organisation, through happy, considered, dedicated employees.  In Ireland, 58% of employers surveyed believe their current reward policy positively impacts employee retention and motivation. 

When it comes to the rewards employers currently offer, we see a mix of both classic and trending benefit types. Key employee benefits include fixed salaries (received by72% of employees in Ireland), flexible working hours (56%), and study/training days (46%). Additionally, benefits like gifts for special occasions (32%), meal vouchers or allowances (23%), and health and wellness programs (42 %) are also commonplace. 

Ready to design a reward package that truly motivates your team? Our simple checklist walks you through each step – from idea generation and market research to customising benefits and ensuring compliance. Follow the steps to efficiently build a strategy that aligns with your company’s goals and meets your employees’ needs.

Unlock the potential of your rewards program with our detailed step-by-step guide. Designed to offer clear and actionable instructions, this guide will help you navigate each phase with confidence and achieve your goals effectively.

Are you ready for Ireland's auto-enrolment changes? Our guide, "Auto-Enrolment in Ireland: What Employers Need to Know," is designed to provide employers with all the essential information about upcoming pension obligations. With auto-enrolment on the horizon in 2026, now is the time to prepare. 

Download "The Ultimate SME Guide to Outsourcing Your Payroll in Ireland" for expert insights on streamlining payroll, ensuring compliance, and reducing admin burdens. Unlock practical advice to simplify your business operations today.

Understand how integrating payroll software can provide your business with a simpler set up and a system built for the future. 

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