Jim Flynn
CEO, Great Place to Work
At the beginning of each year, we celebrate organisations that lead the way in building high-trust, high-performance cultures — an annual recognition known as the Best Workplaces™ in Ireland.
The top organisations, spanning all sectors, industries and sizes, understand that sustaining performance means investing in people at every stage of their careers. Our 2025 Employee Experience Report, capturing the voices of nearly 60,000 people across Ireland, revealed that 81% of employees at this year’s Best Workplaces™ agree with the statement: “I want to work here for a long time.” Nationally, that figure drops to just 59%. This gap reflects more than job satisfaction — it highlights how well organisations support employees through natural career transitions and lifecycles.
Retention starts with career visibility
From the outset, employees who see clear development opportunities are more likely to stay. Feeling valued and empowered, they grow with the organisation — strengthening trust and creating a strong foundation for a high-performance culture. Over time, the benefits compound: organisations build internal pipelines, reduce hiring costs and adapt more quickly by moving talent across roles.
Career transitions — whether stepping into leadership or returning after leave — are defining moments in anyone’s career journey. At Ireland’s Best Workplaces™, 82% say they’re offered meaningful development opportunities, compared to just 59% nationally. These include leadership training, mentoring, job shadowing and tailored upskilling — programmes designed to equip employees for success at every stage of their journey.
Employees who see clear
development opportunities
are more likely to stay.
Internal mobility key for success
Career development is also essential for long-term agility and retention. As technology reshapes industries and skills needs evolve, internal mobility has become a competitive advantage. Organisations that grow talent from within are better positioned to close skills gaps, adapt to market shifts and innovate from the inside out — all while retaining valuable employees.
Leadership’s part to play
Leadership plays a critical role. Nationally, only 52% of employees say their manager shows a sincere interest in them — at Ireland’s Best Workplaces™, it’s 82%. When managers prioritise career conversations and support stretch opportunities, they send a clear signal that growth matters. At the same time, HR must design integrated strategies that blend learning, coaching, mentoring and digital tools into meaningful career journeys that support retention.
Ultimately, career development is more than a retention tool — it’s a strategic investment in long-term organisational success. We’ve seen it firsthand: businesses that nurture talent from the inside will outperform, outlast and out-innovate the rest.
