Pay transparency, hybrid and AI top of workplace agenda for 2026

Just 1% of organisations say they feel fully prepared for the upcoming EU Pay Transparency Directive, says Maeve McElwee of Ibec 

Maeve McElwee, executive director of employer relations at Ibec.

Pay transparency, hybrid work and AI adoption are among the challenges and opportunities awaiting Ireland’s workforce in the year ahead, says a leading HR expert.

Maeve McElwee, executive director of employer relations at Ibec, the group representing Irish businesses, said that Ibec’s latest HR Update Report highlighted key trends that will occupy a lot of time HR practices in Irish workplaces during 2026.