By David Stephen

There is an information problem within the larger problem of drug addiction. Illegal drug users discuss experiences, feelings and addictions, but what information do drug users have about the mechanisms of mind for those feelings, experiences or addictiveness of the drugs? This guest essay on Irish Tech News looks at the role that AI can play in solving the information problem within the larger drug addiction problem.

NIH Brain Initiative Drugs effect on the mind

People that are chemically dependent or those living with substance use disorder often recount experiences before, during and after using illegal drugs. They sometimes discuss the state of feeling nothing, the state of elation, the calm, and so forth. Some ascribe the continuous use to what the drugs do for them. Some also feel helpless in being addicted, while many experience several negative effects in their social and occupational lives.

When a person takes a drug, what happens? This is not a question about a pathway or one [reward] chemical. This question means how drugs have an effect on the mind. For those that claim that drugs resolve their anxieties, how did the effect happen, even if it may not be true that drugs resolve anxiety? For those who claim that drugs solve their trauma, depression, and so forth, what is happening in the mind that can explain how that may have resulted?

This is where AI agents come in. To discuss, display, explain, present, and express every step process for different drugs [especially stimulants and sedatives] and why they seem to have effects. There is a lot of discussion about the lack of agency or intention against saying no to drug use or its ability to overpower the cautionary ability of the mind. How does this happen, and how can this be rebuilt?

AI agents

Information is often a deterrent for the mind. Information is also potent to seek alternatives. Information, where robust but simplified, can be useful enough to spur changes in people and society.

AI is already a powerhouse of information across knowledge areas. It also has information on drug biochemistry, but it does not have information on how the human mind works. It is possible to provide this new information in a way that would assist people living with substance use disorder to understand what is happening within, away from the opacity of the present, towards harm reduction and care.

From all the evidence in neuroscience till date, there are two direct candidates, conceptually, for the human mind, electrical and chemical signals of neurons. This means that all functions and their attributes are a result of the electrical and chemical signals.

So, it is possible to explain all drug effects within the mechanisms of the signals. Neurons, for example, are in clusters, according to evidence in neuroscience. It can be theorized that in clusters of neurons, electrical and chemical signals are in sets or in loops, where they interact. Also, in sets, electrical signals often have states with which they interact with chemical signals, which also have states. These [instantaneous] states become the grade or attributes that determine the extents or outcomes of the interactions.

For anything to affect the human mind, it has to have an effect on sets of electrical signals or on sets of chemical signals. This is a basis for which drug use can be explained, with displays of how stimulants work and how sedatives also work.

There are addictions beyond drugs that may include electronic applications, devices and so on. They also would have an effect on sets of electrical and chemical signals. There are situations where the intensity of electrical signals in interactions could be so high, or the volume of chemical signals, or one of the chemical signals in the set is so high that the space that is necessary for intent [to say no or hold], is covered, resulting in helplessness.

There are also states where some of the necessary depletion in some sets of chemical signals...

Crystel Rynne, CEO of Ireland's leading Human Resources software provider, HRLocker, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Senior Management Professional of the Year title in the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025.

Crystel, a resident of Corofin and a former student at Coláiste Mhuire, Ennis, and the University of Limerick, has worked at HRLocker since 2013. Last year, she became the company's chief executive officer after it was acquired by ISH Group. Since then, she has successfully navigated the business through the transition, rebuilding the leadership team from the ground up. Crystel also led the charge during HRLocker's recent merger with HireHive, a Cork-based recruitment platform.

Crystel is a staunch advocate for employee empowerment and credits her success to a strong support network, both personally and professionally. Commenting on the shortlist announcement, Crystel said:

"The award recognises that women in business are a beacon of innovation, creativity, diversity and progress in Ireland and beyond. I'm immensely proud to be included in this year's outstanding cohort of nominees and thank those who have come before and paved the way."

Under Crystel's leadership, HRLocker helps HR teams stay connected, saving them time and allowing them to focus on employees' well-being, engagement, and productivity. Trusted by over 55,000 users in 55 countries worldwide, HRLocker is changing the way businesses interact with their people.

"Every year, the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards are a showcase of the incredible depth and diversity of female leadership across Ireland's business ecosystem," says Clodagh Edwards," CEO of IMAGE Media. "The exceptional calibre of the 2025 shortlist demonstrates the economic impact of these women in business, across so many sectors, and we are delighted to spotlight these inspiring business stories."

Winners will be announced at the IMAGE PwC Businesswomen of the Year Award ceremony tonight at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin.

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GlobalLogic Inc., a Hitachi Group Company, has been named a Leader in the ISG Provider Lens Digital Engineering Services 2025 by Information Services Group (ISG), a leading global technology research and advisory firm. This recognition highlights GlobalLogic's strengths in delivering innovative digital engineering solutions across a wide range of services and industries.

The 2025 ISG Provider Lens Digital Engineering Services report provides a comprehensive assessment of leading service providers' capabilities in digital engineering, evaluating their strengths and positioning in key areas like Design & Development, Integrated Customer/User Engagement, Intelligent Operations, and Platform and Application Services across the U.S. This year's report finds that the U.S. digital engineering landscape is undergoing a major transformation, driven by the rapid infusion of generative and agentic AI into engineering workflows.

GlobalLogic's recognition as a Leader in all four quadrants in the U.S. underscores its ability to meet these demands, fuelled in part by its recent launch of VelocityAI, which powers the entire software development lifecycle, enhances digital product engineering, and enables organisations to improve operations and monetize data. This recognition showcases GlobalLogic's expertise in delivering innovative solutions across areas like AI-powered customer experiences, cloud-native intelligent operations, and responsible product design.

GlobalLogic was recognised as a Leader in the U.S. for all four quadrants:

Design & Development (Products, Services, and Experiences)

GlobalLogic accelerates product innovation through advanced design and development services, combining digital advisory with model-based system engineering. Leveraging tools for rapid product concept evaluation and concept prioritisation, GlobalLogic delivers human-centred and data-driven digital experiences, while GlobalLogic VelocityAI accelerates design-to-code workflows. The company's focus on digital product design, UX, and collaborative innovation labs enables clients to rapidly prototype and bring impactful digital products to market.

Integrated Customer/User Engagement

GlobalLogic enhances customer engagement by delivering immersive digital experiences and AI-powered service automation. Leveraging connected product services for remote monitoring, automating knowledge management, and offering personalised aftermarket experiences through intelligent analytics, GlobalLogic helps businesses continuously improve product functionality and build stronger customer connections via cloud-based CX platforms.

"GlobalLogic impresses by using analytics and AI to offer services and recommendations that personalise aftermarket experiences for individuals," says Dr. Tapati Bandopadhyay, an analyst at ISG.

Intelligent Operations

GlobalLogic is revolutionising operations by treating data as a strategic asset, leveraging cloud-based solutions and AI-powered automation to enhance operational efficiencies, drive innovation, and improve user experiences for both customers and employees across industries like manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. Operating at the intersection of design, engineering, and intelligence, GlobalLogic accelerates its clients' journey to becoming Intelligent Enterprises.

"GlobalLogic's digital operations leverage cloud technologies, GenAI, and automation to accelerate product manufacturing and optimise engineering processes," Bandopadhyay adds.

Platform and Application Services

GlobalLogic drives rapid platform modernisation with its Platform-of-Platforms architecture and prebuilt accelerators, and integrates AI to create intelligent algorithmic applications for more personalised and effective connected experiences. GlobalLogic accelerates platform development with VelocityAI, automating code generation and system upgrades.

"We are honoured to be recognised by ISG for our leadership and innovation in digital engineering," says Sumit Sood, H...

Guest post by Paul Turley, Senior Director, ServiceNow Ireland

Retailers today face a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. Customers are more demanding than ever, expecting seamless, personalised shopping experiences across every channel. Securing buyer loyalty is tougher, and with the commercial landscape constantly evolving, it's crucial for retailers to unlock the true value of the customer data at their fingertips. Retailers have long sat on a goldmine of data, but artificial intelligence is the key to unlocking its full potential - helping them transition from 'analogue to digital,' and enabling retailers to both survive and thrive.

The data generated by customers forms the foundation for improved customer service. AI - particularly generative AI - holds enormous potential, from resolving in-store issues to personalising the customer journey. The appetite for AI is growing, with spending outside traditional IT set to rise by 52% this year, according to global research by IBM. AI in customer service, particularly for personalised responses, is projected to grow by 236%

Forward-thinking retailers are already harnessing this technology to derive value from their data and future-proof their business. While last year saw cautious experimentation, today's leading retailers are leveraging AI not just for efficiency, but to reimagine the entire retail experience, delivering better outcomes for customers

Towards seamless growth

Currently, retailers spend a significant amount of time dealing with inefficient, siloed systems rather than actively serving customers. These inefficiencies make resolving issues - from HR challenges to IT issues - a lengthy and frustrating process. Tackling these challenges will significantly enhance customer satisfaction and drive long-term success, ensuring employees have the right technology to deliver optimum experiences for customers. By equipping teams with effective tools, businesses can create a customer-first culture that fosters loyalty and long-term growth.

Take Carrefour, for example. Operating 12,000 stores in 30 countries and serving 104 million households, Carrefour faced recurring refrigeration failures that left customers facing empty chiller cabinets. By adopting a computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) called 'Click & Repair,' Carrefour automated repair requests, routing key details like serial numbers directly to technicians and significantly accelerating resolutions. Staff can now request repairs via a mobile app, saving time, keeping shelves stocked, and ensuring maintenance is more effectively overseen for customers.

Similarly, British supermarket giant Asda - operating 1,200 sites and 18 million customers - faced the challenge of creating a unified system for handling HR, IT, and a wide range of operations. Separating more than 2,500 systems from former owner Walmart, the transition dubbed 'Project Future' also enabled new workflows in Customer Service Management which saved time, freeing up employees to focus much more on delivering for customers both face-to-face and online. The company is now looking to the future with a platform built for further innovation.

These cases highlight how integrated systems enable sharper customer focus and long-term growth. Going forward, AI innovations are set to have an even more dramatic impact on customer service, which will be explored in ServiceNow's Consumer Voice Report later this year.

The AI difference

In e-commerce, AI operates behind-the-scenes to provide smoother customer experiences, leveraging natural language processing to understand queries about warranties, accessories, and more. AI-driven product recommendations and targeted offers also help to build customer loyalty and encourage repeat visits.

For agents dealing directly with customer complaints, generative AI can be so powerful. With agents often overburdened, generative AI can help them deliver rapid, effective responses by enhancing search capabilities...

Prepare to unleash your inner scientist as Cork Carnival of Science returns to Fitzgerald Park on the 7th and 8th of June 2025. This FREE two-day festival, supported by Research Ireland and Cork City Council, will once again transform one of Cork Cities best loved public green spaces into a sprawling outdoor science lab, where minds of all ages can experiment, explore, and experience the thrill of scientific discovery.

With more than 75,000 visitors attending in previous years, the Cork Carnival of Science has cemented its place as Ireland's largest outdoor STEM festival. Whether you're captivated by the wonders of the natural world, fascinated by cutting-edge technology, or eager to try mind-bending experiments, this event is designed to fuel curiosity and fan the flames of innovation.

This year's festival will feature an even more dynamic programme, spanning physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, and environmental science. From the tiniest molecular reactions to large-scale experiments that make you go "WOW," every corner of Fitzgerald Park will be buzzing with scientific potential!

Highlights of the Cork Carnival of Science 2025 include:

Electrifying live science shows in the Circus Top and Stretch Tents

Hands-on experiments and workshops to test, tinker, and create

Fascinating exhibits showcasing real-world science in action

Roaming science performers bringing unexpected experiments, gravity defying stunts and bubble magic to the crowd

Nature-focused activities exploring ecosystems, wildlife, and the environment

STEM challenges that puzzle, provoke, and inspire

(Additional programme details to yet to be announced)

Beyond the scientific spectacle, families can soak up the atmosphere with street food stalls, picnic areas, lush gardens, the Cork Public Museum, a huge playground, and on-site facilities, making it the perfect place for an exciting, educational, and entertaining day out.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle welcomed the return of Cork Carnival of Science for June 2025 saying: "Cork City Council are delighted to continue our support for the Cork Carnival of Science which is a superb day out for all to enjoy engaging in STEM activities. Once again, the event will take place in the beautiful Fitzgerald Park. This free family festival is essential in keeping Cork City at the forefront of scientific endeavours into the future and I hope everyone will come out and enjoy this great day out."

Cork Carnival of Science is dedicated to making science accessible, engaging, and inclusive. Sign language interpretation will be available at live shows, and a quiet zone near the Sky Garden will provide a calm space for those who prefer a less sensory-stimulating environment.

Celine Fitzgerald, interim CEO of Research Ireland, said: "Research Ireland are delighted to support the Cork Carnival of Science under the Discover Programme. Science is about asking questions, experimenting, and seeing the world from new perspectives. This festival brings that spirit to life, offering a unique opportunity for families to engage with science in creative and interactive ways. Whether you're fascinated by the cosmos, curious about how things work, or just love a good experiment, there's something here for everyone."

Mervyn Horgan of Lifetime Lab who oversees the organisation of the Carnival of Science said: "The Carnival of Science continues to evolve, and this year's event will highlight not only physics, chemistry, and engineering but also our deep connections with nature and environmental science. It's a brilliant opportunity for all ages to see the magic of STEM in action."

The full programme will be unveiled soon, but for now, be sure to save the date for this unmissable science extravaganza.

For updates, visit corkcity.ie/corkcarnivalofscience or follow @corkcitycouncilofficial on social media. #BelieveInScience

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Klearcom, a leading provider of global contact centre testing solutions, has announced the launch of its next-generation solution Verify+ which will see it dial into global demand for pre-production Interactive Voice Response (IVR) testing and support future business growth.

An enhanced version of Klearcom's Verify product, Verify+ enables businesses to test and improve their customer service phone and IVR systems before going live. It does this by allowing companies to simulate real customer calls, test call paths and verify audio quality and sound clarity.

In terms of the testing functionality and efficiency, the solution removes the need to rewrite common tests by facilitating the creation of reusable templates and creates a visual "treeview" model to support sequential testing. It also delivers concurrent IVR testing at no extra cost.

Coupled with its audio scoring and real-time monitoring feature, Verify+ ensures testing flexibility, accuracy and visibility, as well as high reliability and performance of systems. Meanwhile, its outbound testing capabilities can support diverse international contact centre environments.

Covering more than 100 languages and dialects, Verify+ also delivers transcript analysis and audio scoring. Furthermore, it facilitates alternate transcripts for out-of-hours or holiday periods, with automated IVR message and smart scheduling features.

The solution streamlines the pre-production testing process and accelerates deployment of services for organisations, while identifying call issues, enabling faster resolution and reducing downtime. In turn, this saves significant time and costs and improves end-user Customer Experience (CX).

Quick-to-deploy and easy-to-use, the platform enhances Klearcom's already extensive product portfolio. Available in over 100+ countries, it will enable the provider to further scale up its operations, support its growing global customer base and drive business growth. In particular, Klearcom anticipates demand for Verify+ among the telecom, utilities, retail, healthcare, aviation, banking and finance industries.

Satish Barot, Co-founder and CTO at Klearcom, said: "When people call customer service, they want the fastest possible response and resolution. When businesses are testing and rolling out these systems, they also want that. Verify+ delivers on both fronts by simplifying testing, ensuring optimal performance and supporting the best customer experience.

"As well as simulating real-world behaviours, including non-linear customer call journeys and interrupted interactions, it delivers a truly global testing capability - not only meeting the evolving needs of our customers but enabling them to meet the expectations of theirs. In turn, we are guaranteeing customer confidence, innovating the customer experience and expanding our customer base."

See more stories here.

The workplace is undergoing a seismic shift. Forget quiet quitting - employees are now making bold, dramatic exits in what's being dubbed "revenge quitting." This phenomenon sees talented individuals walking away from organisations due to unfulfilled promises, toxic cultures, and a lack of recognition. And they're not just slipping away quietly - they're making sure their departure is noticed.

So, what's behind this trend? According to experts at Hogan Assessments, the key lies in understanding the deeper disconnect between employees and their workplaces. "Revenge quitting isn't just about frustration over daily tasks - it's a breakdown in communication and a failure to align employee aspirations with company culture," explains Dr. Ryne Sherman, Chief Science Officer at Hogan Assessments and Co-Host at The Science of Personality podcast. "The good news? It's preventable."

Companies that successfully retain their top talent have one thing in common: they take a proactive approach to employee engagement. Rather than scrambling for short-term fixes, they address core issues before employees feel the need to make a statement with their resignations. Here are three solid strategies to prevent revenge quitting and keep employees committed:

1. Move Beyond Perks - Understand What Employees Really Want

Today's workforce expects more than just pay raises, free coffee, or pizza Friday. Remote work flexibility, work-life balance, growth opportunities, and employee wellbeing are no longer perks - they're non-negotiables. In this regard, over a third (35%) of European employees believe there are insufficient opportunities for promotion or progression within their organisation to reach their career goals. When these expectations aren't met, employees don't just disengage; they make high-impact exits that disrupt teams and shake up workplace dynamics.

"To stay ahead, organisations must adopt transparent policies, offer genuine flexibility, and establish open feedback channels," analysed Dr. Ryne Sherman. "Companies that listen and adapt to evolving employee needs will not only boost retention but also strengthen their employer brand."

2. Leadership Can Make or Break Retention

Poor leadership is a fast track to revenge quitting. Toxic or absentee management styles drain morale, increase burnout, and drive talent away. Employees who feel unsupported or undervalued by their managers are significantly more likely to leave - and they'll make their dissatisfaction known. In fact, a recent Gallup report highlights that managers are the linchpins of engagement, with 70% of team engagement attributed to the manager.

On the flip side, teams led by calm, organised, and empathetic managers report three times higher engagement. Investing in leadership development isn't just beneficial - it's essential. Organisations must equip leaders with the skills to support, motivate, and retain their teams effectively.

3. Develop The Ultimate Antidote: Psychological Safety

To grasp the scale of the current shifts in the workplace, it's worth noting that 40% of workers globally say they may leave their jobs in the near future (source: WEF). So, what is the strongest defence against revenge quitting? Fostering psychological safety. When employees feel secure enough to express concerns, take risks, and be their authentic selves without fear of negative repercussions, engagement soars.

Companies that cultivate an environment of trust, inclusion, and mutual respect see tangible benefits: improved innovation, higher productivity, and, most importantly, greater talent retention. "Creating psychological safety isn't just an HR initiative - it's a business imperative," said Dr. Ryne Sherman.

The Future of Talent Retention

The workplace is evolving, and companies that fail to adapt risk losing their most valuable asset: their people. The most successful organisations will be those that embrace authentic leadership, meaningful engagement, and a culture of trust.

"Hogan Asses...

Continued growth is expected in the Irish fintech sector, according to a new Irish Fintech Survey published today by Fintech & Payments Association of Ireland (FPAI), with 42% of firms reporting that they plan to seek additional funding and 91% plan to hire this year. The survey conducted in Q4 2024, captured the perspectives of senior executives within the fintech and payments industry in Ireland and reveals a buoyant and expansion-focussed sector but recent geo-political tensions will present risks, especially when it comes to investment decisions.

Key findings from the survey show:

Ireland continues to be an attractive base for fintechs

Ireland's access to the EU market was also rated by 78% of respondents as key

70% rated the availability of practical and financial supports favourably

52% identified strong opportunities to collaborate within the sector as key

Majority of firms (91%) ranked Ireland's corporate tax regime as attractive

Highly skilled workforce

59% of respondents found Ireland to be an attractive base to access a pool of technical as well as senior talent

4 in 5 firms however identified challenges in attracting people to in-person work (78%) and experienced challenges finding diverse candidates (83%)

Plans for growth in the next 12 months

In terms of recruitment, 91% of respondents are planning to hire new staff

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations are regarded as an opportunity for 47% of firms

42% of firms plan to seek additional funding

John O'Beirne, FPAI Chair and CEO & Executive Director, Squareup International Ltd, stated: "I am pleased to share the results of the FPAI's inaugural Fintech Survey today. The results reflect the success the sector has enjoyed over the last few years, with the number of regulated payment and electronic money institutions registered with the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) having grown from 14 to 50 since 2018.

Ireland has proven to be an attractive base for both domestic and global fintechs to establish and scale their operations across Europe and beyond, and the survey findings indicate that firms are continuing to invest in expanding their local presence, with 42% planning to seek funding within 12 months."

Mr O'Beirne added: "In terms of employment, 59% of respondents found Ireland to be an attractive or very attractive base to access a pool of technical as well as senior talent, and the vast majority (91%) of respondents were planning to hire within the next 12 months. These planned roles span a wide range of skills, including software development, marketing and sales, compliance, and finance. However, 4 in 5 firms identified challenges in attracting people to in-person work (78%) and experienced challenges finding diverse candidates (83%)."

Commenting on recent geo-political developments, Mr O'Beirne stated: "Since the survey was undertaken, we have obviously witnessed a significant shift in the global outlook and recent geo-political tensions will present risks to the Irish fintech sector, especially when it comes to investment decisions. With such uncertainty hanging over the entire financial services sector, firms will be compelled to reassess their strategies and develop plans to navigate the evolving situation.

Having said that, the sector has proven resilient in the face of challenges in the past, and the country's fundamental attractiveness remains strong. We continue to see a positive pipeline of firms interested in establishing an Irish base, and the FPAI looks forward to continuing to work with our members, the Central Bank of Ireland and the wider financial sector to support development, growth and innovation across the sector."

The Irish Fintech 2024 Survey was conducted in Q4 2024 by FPAI (Fintech and Payments Association of Ireland), with support from PWC and provides insights into the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities for fintech firms operating in Ireland and will serve as a benchmark for the next survey at the end ...

Key findings from a new report suggest the following key trends to explain the slow pace of Irish EV Adoption

32% of respondents plan to purchase a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle next

Hybrids are the most popular alternative fuel choice for people's next car across all age groups at 17%, outstripping pure EVs

The expense of EVs was cited as a barrier to purchase by 40% of respondents. Other top concerns stopping people making the EV switch include reliability concerns at 31% and electricity costs at 28%.

34% of rural respondents cite insufficient public charging infrastructure as a barrier to purchase, and 45% of people living rurally also find electric vehicles too expensive

The barriers to Irish EV Adoption

Carzone has unveiled its 2025 Motoring Report, revealing significant insights into Ireland's shifting attitudes towards electric vehicles (EVs). The report highlights that while 32% of respondents plan to purchase an EV, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid next, expense continues to pose a major barrier.

Cost was identified by 40% of respondents as the primary obstacle to adopting an EV. Other notable concerns include reliability (31%) and the cost of electricity (28%).

Rural respondents in particular expressed apprehension regarding EV infrastructure, with 34% citing inadequate public charging options as a significant deterrent.

Nationally, respondents indicated that an average range of approximately 497 km is required before considering an EV purchase. However, regional variations exist: Ulster respondents require the highest average range at 548 km, whereas Leinster respondents, benefiting from more accessible charging infrastructure around Dublin, cited a lower average requirement of approximately 475 km.

For those who have already transitioned to electric vehicles, reduced running costs emerge as a major benefit, with 86% of EV owners highlighting this as a key advantage of their decision.

Since its launch, Carzone's annual Motoring Report has become a trusted resource for vehicle sellers and buyers, offering crucial insights into Ireland's dynamic motoring industry.

Martin O'Neill from Carzone commented, "Our 2025 Motoring Report clearly shows that interest in electric vehicles remains strong, but financial and infrastructural hurdles still exist for many Irish drivers. At Carzone, we aim to provide essential insights to consumers and dealerships alike, helping them navigate the evolving automotive landscape and make informed decisions about adopting EVs as the market continues to expand."

The 16th edition of Carzone's Motoring Report combines data from 84 million searches conducted on Carzone in 2024 with a comprehensive survey of 1,000 Irish motorists, providing a definitive snapshot of Irish car-buying habits. The report offers a comprehensive guide to Ireland's car-buying landscape, reflecting today's priorities while looking towards future trends. To delve deeper into the analysis and insights shaping the market, visit www.carzone.ie/

motoringreport.

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Adare, a leading provider of HR and Employment Law support services, has released the findings from its latest HR Barometer Report (9.1), underscoring absenteeism as a critical indicator of overall workplace health and performance. This comes at a time when hybrid work, economic pressures, and escalating employee stress levels are heightening the challenges for organisations.

The comprehensive biannual HR Barometer Report offers deep insights into the trends, challenges, and priorities that are shaping the Human Resources landscape across Irish organisations in 2025. It highlights that while organisations are increasingly focusing on employee wellbeing, the anticipated absence rate for 2025 is forecasted to rise to an average of 8.5%. This figure has significant implications for productivity and operational costs.

While 79% of organisations have an Employee Assistance Programme as part of health & wellbeing initiatives, only 8% are currently measuring performance as a direct output of wellbeing initiatives, revealing a disconnect between intention and measurable impact.

Sarah Fagan, Managing Director at Adare, commented, "While our HR Barometer highlights several areas of concern, the findings around absence management point to a particularly troubling trend. Absenteeism is not simply a standalone issue - it's a key indicator of broader organisational health. Organisations are forecasting a significant average absence rate of 8.5% for 2025.

"What deepens the concern is that despite an acknowledged focus on employee health and wellbeing, a mere 8% of organisations currently measure performance as a direct output of these crucial initiatives. As absence rates rise, so too do costs, inefficiencies, and the strain on team performance. Organisations must adopt a more data-driven and integrated approach to managing absence, with a focus on building sustainable performance and long-term resilience."

The report also sheds light on the increasing pressures faced by employees - from rising workload demands to heightened stress and anxiety. These factors contribute to burnout and long-term health risks. Additionally, while hybrid working has become the norm, 1 in 2 organisations report challenges in maintaining employee engagement under this model.

Other key findings from the HR Barometer 9.1 include:

Health, Wellbeing & Absence: Organisations anticipate an average absence rate of 8.5% in 2025. While the focus on employee health and wellbeing is growing, only 8% currently measure performance as a direct output of related initiatives, indicating a potential gap between focus and measurable outcomes.

HR Priorities Shift: Talent Retention emerges as the top HR priority for 2025, cited by 43% of organisations, with Employee Engagement and Experience remaining crucial at 40%.

Talent Turnover and Costs: Medium-sized businesses reported an average turnover rate of 14.3% in 2024, with the average cost of replacing an employee estimated at €10,125.

Rising Conflict Levels: 44% of organisations reported an increase in time spent on managing workplace conflicts. Senior management, on average, spends 29.9 days per year dealing with employee relations issues.

Compensation Trends: 72% of organisations plan to increase salaries in 2025, with 21% considering changes to their pay models in response to market pressures and the sustainability of existing pay frameworks.

Hybrid Working Practices: Hybrid work continues to be the norm, with employees working an average of 2.6 days in the office. However, 50% of organisations report challenges in maintaining employee engagement with this model.

The Adare HR Barometer advocates for a more strategic, data-led approach to absence management, which is integrated within a broader commitment to creating a healthy, high-performing workplace. Through its Healthy Place to Work offering, Adare supports organisations in aligning wellbeing initiatives with measurable outcomes, driving sustainable performance and fosteri...