What Will Employment Look Like in 2026?

As Irish employers enter into 2026, one reality is clear: the traditional recruitment model is under pressure.

Skills shortages persist across key sectors, competition for talent remains high, and employees increasingly expect more than just a payslip. Purpose, flexibility, inclusion, and wellbeing are now central to workforce decisions.

For employers, this shift presents both a challenge and a strategic opportunity.

From Recruitment to Social Recruitment & Training

In 2026, recruitment success will be defined by how well employers build talent pipelines, not just how quickly they fill vacancies.

Social recruitment and training focuses on:

• Identifying real skills needs
• Preparing jobseekers through training and employability supports
• Connecting motivated candidates to sustainable roles

At Turas Nua, we support employers to access talent that might otherwise be overlooked while ensuring candidates are job-ready and supported to succeed.



Skills-Based Hiring: Expanding the Talent Pool

Skills-based hiring moves the focus away from rigid CV requirements and towards capability and potential.

This approach helps employers:

• Access wider talent pools
• Reduce time-to-hire
• Improve retention and engagement

Through targeted preparation, coaching and employer support, Turas Nua ensures skills-based hiring works in practice and not just in theory.

Inclusive Hiring & Employability: Good for People, Good for Business

Ireland’s disability employment rate is the lowest in the EU at just 32%, compared to an EU average of 51%. Closing this gap is both a social responsibility and a business opportunity.

Inclusive employers benefit from:

• Stronger retention and loyalty
• Improved workplace culture
• More diverse perspectives

Global research backs this up. This Accenture study found that inclusive businesses are more profitable and more innovative than their peers.

Through our Employability services, Turas Nua supports employers with:

• Inclusive recruitment guidance
• In-work supports and job coaching
• Advice on reasonable accommodations

This ensures inclusion delivers real, measurable outcomes for employers and employees alike.



Community & Social Impact

In 2026, businesses will increasingly be judged by how they contribute to their communities.

Partnering with Turas Nua allows employers to:

• Demonstrate genuine social impact
• Strengthen ESG and CSR commitments
• Build a strong, values-led employer brand

And importantly, this impact aligns with business performance, not against it.

The employers who will succeed in 2026 are those who recognise that inclusive hiring, skills development, and social impact are central to business success.

If you’re planning for the future of your workforce, Turas Nua is here to help.

👉 Get in touch to explore how our services can support your business.

Contact us today to learn how Turas Nua can support your organisation.