Bosses offer pay rises and hybrid to retain interns and graduates

77% of firms increase pay and benefits for graduates, interns and apprentices as AI fears fuel anxiety over job security

Employers in Ireland are increasing pay and offering flexible hybrid work options in a bid to retain talented young workers who have job security fears due to unknown AI impacts, according to a new survey by Aon and HPC Global.

Flexible hybrid work options and higher wages are key tools in retaining talented younger workers unsettled by job security fears over AI, according to Aon’s ‘2023 Irish Early Careers Report’ survey of 35 of Ireland’s leading companies.

Conducted with people development expert HPC Global, Aon’s careers report found widespread unrest relating to AI’s possible impacts, with only 17% of HR professionals saying the technology will have a positive role in recruiting graduates, interns and apprentices.