by HRHQ Editorial Team
SD Worx Ireland recently announced new survey results which reveal 44% of Irish employers admit that there is a gender pay gap in their organisation.
As businesses prepare for the EU Pay Transparency Directive, there is a feeling among both employees and employers that more progress needs to be made in the areas of pay transparency and equity. This is reflected by the fact that only half (50%) of employees believe that pay decisions in their organisation are fair and unbiased. The EU Pay Transparency Directive, aimed at enhancing wage transparency and reducing gender pay gaps, will be transposed into Irish law and extend to all businesses by June 2026.
Independent research from SD Worx, carried out by iVOX, surveyed 1,000 employees and 300 employers in Ireland on topics relating to gender pay gaps and pay transparency. In addition, the survey revealed that nearly half (49%) of employers in Ireland say that they have a gender imbalance in senior roles, which is the highest percentage amongst their European counterparts.
When it comes to openness around pay, just 39% of employees say that their organisation ensures compensation transparency. This includes clear communication around pay gaps, reward policies, packages, and pay increases.
The survey suggests that employers are aware that they need to do more in this area, with almost two-thirds saying that they are investing in greater pay transparency (62%) and actively working to eliminate income inequality among employees (65%). While organisations evidently have improvements to make by June 2026, this research reflects a willingness to comply by the vast majority. Some 78% of employers in Ireland report that they stay informed on, and actively monitor, EU regulations affecting human resources.
