Government Publishes New Research on AI, Workplace Wellbeing and Low Pay.

The growing influence of artificial intelligence, concerns surrounding workplace wellbeing and the importance of job quality have emerged as key themes in new research examining employment across Ireland.

Published on 5 November 2026, the Working in Ireland Survey 2025, led by University College Dublin, draws on the experiences of more than 4,300 workers across Ireland and Northern Ireland. The findings provide an insight into how workplaces are evolving and the challenges facing both employers and employees.

While technology continues to transform how work is performed, the research highlights that management practices, working conditions and employee experiences remain central to the quality of employment.

Artificial Intelligence: Productivity Versus Preparedness

The increasing use of generative AI is changing how employees approach everyday tasks, with workers reporting improvements in productivity and efficiency.

However, the research also identifies concerns surrounding training and preparedness, raising questions about whether organisations are adequately supporting employees in the adoption of new technologies.

The findings are particularly relevant as businesses increasingly integrate AI into administrative functions, communications, recruitment and decision-making processes.

While AI offers considerable opportunities, its effectiveness depends on how it is introduced and managed. Employees must understand not only how to use these tools, but also their limitations, particularly when handling confidential information, interpreting complex matters or making decisions that affect others.

The absence of clear workplace guidance creates a risk that employees may rely on AI-generated information without sufficient scrutiny or independent judgement.

As adoption continues to accelerate, organisations will need to ensure that technological advancement is accompanied by appropriate training, oversight and accountability.

Workplace Wellbeing: The Influence of Management and Working Conditions

The research identifies a clear relationship between workplace wellbeing and the quality of management and working relationships.

Employees who experience supportive management, positive working relationships and opportunities to contribute to workplace decisions reported better wellbeing outcomes. Conversely, excessive workloads and job insecurity were associated with poorer experiences.

These findings challenge the tendency to view workplace wellbeing primarily through the provision of additional benefits or standalone initiatives.

Although wellbeing programmes can provide valuable support, their effectiveness may be limited where underlying workplace issues remain unresolved.

Management capability, reasonable workloads, clear communication and the ability to raise concerns are fundamental aspects of the employee experience.

For organisations, the findings reinforce the importance of addressing the conditions in which employees work, rather than relying exclusively on initiatives intended to improve wellbeing.

Low Pay and the Wider Question of Job Quality

The survey also examines the relationship between remuneration and the broader quality of employment.

While pay remains an important factor, the research highlights the significance of job security, working arrangements, career progression and overall working conditions.

The findings are particularly relevant in an employment environment where businesses continue to face challenges in attracting and retaining talent.

Competitive remuneration may encourage employees to join an organisation, but it does not necessarily address concerns surrounding limited progression, unpredictable working arrangements or poor management practices.

The quality of employment is increasingly shaped by the overall experience of work, rather than salary alone.

This presents a broader consideration for businesses reviewing their reward structures, recruitment strategies and approaches to employee retention.

A Changing Workplace Requires a Broader Approach

Taken together, the findings illustrate the increasingly complex relationship between technology, productivity and employee experience.

The introduction of new technologies may improve efficiency, but those benefits must be balanced against the need for appropriate training, clear accountability and effective management.

Equally, the research demonstrates that employee wellbeing and job quality cannot be considered independently of how organisations operate on a day-to-day basis.

As businesses adapt to changing technologies and workforce expectations, there is a growing need to ensure that workplace policies, management practices and organisational structures remain fit for purpose.

Ultimately, the findings reinforce an important principle: a productive workplace is not necessarily a healthy or sustainable one, and long-term organisational success depends on achieving both.

Source: Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Working in Ireland Survey 2025, published 5 November 2026.