As Ireland’s labour market continues to evolve, candidate expectations are shifting just as quickly. Employers heading into 2026 will face a workforce that is more informed, more selective and increasingly values transparency, flexibility and purpose — alongside competitive pay.
At Matrix Recruitment, we work closely with candidates across a wide range of sectors and seniority levels. Based on our daily conversations and market insight, here are the key things candidates expect from employers in 2026 — and what businesses need to consider to remain competitive.
1. Competitive Pay — and Clear Transparency
While salary has always been important, pay transparency has become a defining expectation.
Candidates increasingly want:
Clear salary ranges advertised upfront
Confidence that pay is benchmarked to market rates
With rising living costs and ongoing discussion around pay inequality, many candidates are less willing to engage with roles where compensation is unclear or feels outdated. Employers who proactively review and communicate salary structures are far more likely to attract and retain top talent in 2026. To help benchmark where your team should be in 2026, download our 2026 salary guide.
2. Flexibility Is No Longer a “Nice to Have”
Flexible working arrangements are now an expectation rather than a perk.
Candidates increasingly prioritise:
Hybrid or remote options where possible
Flexible start and finish times
Trust-based performance management
Employers who insist on rigid structures without a clear business reason risk losing strong candidates to more adaptable competitors.
3. A Positive and Respectful Workplace Culture
Culture has moved front and centre in hiring decisions.
Candidates want:
Respectful, inclusive workplaces
Zero tolerance for bullying or harassment
Supportive management and leadership
Insights from Matrix Recruitment’s Workplace Equality research show that workplace culture directly impacts confidence, wellbeing and long-term career progression. Candidates are increasingly cautious and ask more questions at interview stage about team dynamics and leadership style.
4. Career Progression and Development Opportunities
In 2026, candidates are thinking beyond the job title.
They expect:
Clear progression pathways
Ongoing learning and development
Support from managers to grow and evolve
Employers who cannot articulate where a role could lead — or how an employee will be supported — often struggle to secure candidate commitment.
5. Work-Life Balance and Wellbeing Support
Burnout remains a major concern across many sectors.
Candidates now expect:
Realistic workloads
Respect for personal time
Mental health and wellbeing support
Work-life balance is increasingly linked to retention. Employers who actively support employee wellbeing tend to see higher engagement and lower turnover.
6. Strong Leadership and Clear Communication
Leadership quality is a major differentiator in 2026.
Candidates value:
Approachable, visible managers
Honest and consistent communication
Trust and accountability at all levels
Poor communication or lack of leadership clarity is one of the most common reasons candidates disengage — both during the recruitment process and after joining a company.
7. Fairness, Equality and Inclusion
Candidates are paying closer attention to how employers treat people — not just what they say.
They look for:
Fair promotion and pay practices
Support for parents and carers
Inclusive policies that are actually implemented
Workplace equality is no longer viewed as a “policy issue” — it’s a deciding factor in whether candidates accept or decline offers.
What This Means for Employers in 2026
Candidates in 2026 are not just choosing jobs — they are choosing employers.
To remain competitive, businesses should:
Review salary benchmarks and transparency
Reassess flexibility and working models
Invest in leadership capability
Strengthen workplace culture and communication
Clearly articulate progression and development opportunities
Employers who adapt to these expectations will not only attract stronger candidates but also improve retention and engagement.
How Matrix Recruitment Can Help
At Matrix Recruitment, we support employers across Ireland with:
Market insights and salary benchmarking
Candidate expectation feedback
Recruitment strategies aligned with current labour trends
Long-term workforce planning and retention advice
If you’re reviewing your hiring approach for 2026, our team is happy to provide confidential, practical guidance tailored to your business.
Get in touch with Matrix Recruitment to discuss your 2026 hiring plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do candidates value most in 2026?
Competitive pay, flexibility, positive workplace culture, strong leadership and clear career progression.
Is salary still the main deciding factor for candidates?
Salary is important, but candidates increasingly weigh it alongside flexibility, culture, development and work-life balance.
Why is transparency so important to candidates now?
Transparency builds trust and helps candidates assess whether an employer aligns with their values and expectations.
How can employers improve candidate attraction in 2026?
By clearly communicating pay, flexibility, culture and progression — and delivering on what is promised.
