5th November 2026
Joint Press Release - Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment / Department for the Economy
- First all-island Working in Ireland Survey provides new insights into the experiences of workers across the island of Ireland
- New research examines the impact of Generative AI, low pay, and health and wellbeing in the workplace
- Survey findings will help inform policy development, workplace practice and future labour market discussion
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department for the Economy today welcomed the launch of the first findings from the Working in Ireland Survey (WIIS) 2025, a major all-island study examining the experiences of workers and workplaces across the island of Ireland.
The event, held at Buswells Hotel, Dublin, brought together representatives from government departments, employer organisations, trade unions, academia, State agencies and other stakeholders with an interest in the labour market developments and policy implications.
The survey, led by Professor John Geary and his team at University College Dublin (UCD), builds on the original 2021 Working in Ireland Survey and, for the first time, captures the experiences of workers both North and South. The project is supported by a number of research and public sector partners, including the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department for the Economy.
The three research papers discussed at today’s event examine some of the most significant issues shaping the modern workplace, including the impact of generative artificial intelligence, the extent of low pay, and issues to do with worker health and wellbeing.
The research on Generative AI finds that AI is becoming an increasingly important feature of working life across the island, with users reporting productivity gains and workplace efficiencies. However, the findings also highlight challenges relating to training, skills development and preparedness, and raise important questions about how the benefits of AI can be shared across the workforce.
The low pay paper examines the extent and nature of low pay across the island and demonstrates that job quality extends beyond hourly pay rates to include issues such as working hours, opportunities for progression, job security and working conditions. The research points to the importance of considering the broader quality of work alongside earnings.
The health and wellbeing paper identifies strong links between workplace conditions and workers' wellbeing. The findings show that supportive management practices, positive workplace relationships and employee voice contribute to better wellbeing outcomes, while factors such as work intensity and job insecurity can negatively impact worker health and wellbeing.
The discussion at today’s launch examined the implications of the survey's findings for workers, employers and policymakers across the island of Ireland, with a particular focus on the opportunities and challenges arising from technological change, the importance of job quality, and the factors influencing health and wellbeing at work.
Commenting on the launch of the survey, which DETE co-funded, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said:
"The Working in Ireland Survey is a significant contribution to our understanding of work across the island of Ireland. The findings launched today provide valuable insights into the impact of artificial intelligence, low pay and worker wellbeing, and will help inform policy and workplace practice in the years ahead.
The survey highlights both the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly changing world of work. As Ireland seeks to remain competitive and productive, it is important that workers and businesses alike are supported to adapt and thrive. The findings also reinforce the importance of job quality. Quality jobs benefit workers and their families while helping businesses attract and retain talent, drive innovation and support sustainable economic growth.
I am pleased that DETE has supported this important research and I would like to thank Professor John Geary and his team at UCD, together with the thousands of workers who participated in the survey. I look forward to seeing the further findings that will emerge from this valuable all-island research programme."
Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon TD, who attended the launch event and delivered opening remarks, said:
“The world of work is changing rapidly, and our policies must keep pace. Drawing on the experiences of more than 4,300 workers North and South, the Working in Ireland Survey gives us a stronger evidence base on artificial intelligence, low pay, job quality and workplace wellbeing.
We have made real progress in strengthening workers’ rights, from statutory sick pay and increases in the minimum wage to protections for tips and new rights supporting flexible and remote working. This research will help us assess how those changes are working in practice and identify where further progress is required.
Our objective is clear, to support the creation of secure, sustainable and rewarding jobs while ensuring that businesses have the people, skills and conditions they need to compete and grow. I commend Professor John Geary and his colleagues for this timely and important contribution.”
Northern Ireland Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, who attended and provided closing remarks at the launch event, said:
“Creating good jobs is at the heart of my Economic Vision, and the insights from this research will help inform how we build a more productive, inclusive and prosperous economy that delivers better outcomes for people across the island of Ireland.
The evidence presented today highlights the importance of job quality. Good jobs benefit workers and their families, while also helping businesses attract and retain talent, boost productivity and drive sustainable economic growth.
Everyone should have the opportunity to access secure, fairly paid and fulfilling work. That is why I am committed to advancing reforms that will support the creation of more good jobs, improve protections for workers and help ensure that work provides a decent standard of living for all.”
The launch marks the first phase of publications arising from the 2025 survey. Additional research papers examining other aspects of working life will be published over the coming months, contributing further evidence on the opportunities and challenges facing workers and employers across the island.
The survey's findings are particularly timely as governments, employers, workers and researchers seek to understand the effects of technological change, support labour market participation, enhance productivity and competitiveness, and improve job quality and wellbeing at work.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Full reports available at:
- o “GenAI Use in Work: its reach, effects, risks and limits. Findings from the Working in Ireland Survey, 2025”, by John Geary, María Belizón and Chris Smart, is available at: https://www.workinginirelandsurvey.com/outputs-from-wiis-2
- o “Working Life on Low Pay: Findings from the Working in Ireland Survey, 2025”, by Lisa Wilson, John Geary and colleagues, is available at: https://www.workinginirelandsurvey.com/outputs-from-wiis-2
- o “In Working Order: Health and Wellbeing among Workers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Findings from the Working in Ireland Survey, 2025”, by Juliet Hassard, John Geary and María Belizón, is available at: https://www.workinginirelandsurvey.com/outputs-from-wiis-2
- Fieldwork conducted 15 May – 28 August 2025 by Ipsos B&A.
- For interviews, contact: John Geary at john.geary@ucd.ie, Dr Lisa Wilson at Lisa.wilson@nerinstitute.ie, Dr Juliet Hassard at jhassard@qub.ac.uk or Dr María Belizón at mjbelizon@comillas.edu
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