Over 70% of employees say they expect to receive a pay rise this year, according to a survey by Irish recruitment company FRS Recruitment.
The Employment Insights survey also reveals that almost 60% believe there will be more job opportunities available to them this year compared to last year.
This confidence in the jobs’ market is reinforced by 82% who believe they would secure new employment within 3 months or less if they lost their job, up from the 68% who thought they would secure new employment in the same timeframe when this survey was conducted last year.
Levels of job security have also improved over that period, with only 38% now fearing for their employment, compared to 58% in 2021.
Salary is now the most important priority when seeking a new role, with 65% saying that was a factor.
The job itself, which had been the top choice for the past two years has fallen to second place with 60% saying that impacts on their decision, followed by benefits and work life balance.
60% of employers say they are now looking beyond Ireland when it comes to sourcing new staff, while a similar proportion said that rising inflation has impacted on their recruitment outlook this year.
FRS Recruitment has been undertaking their Employment Insights Survey on an annual basis since 2009.
1,300 people took part in the survey this year, which was carried out throughout April.
"What this survey highlights is the shift in mindset when it comes to employees," said Lynne McCormack, General Manager of FRS Recruitment.
"Following on from the pandemic many are now feeling on a much stronger footing and that is impacting the dynamics in the marketplace.
"So we see a greater emphasis on salary with stronger expectations for rises or salary becoming the key motivator when it comes to considering a new role," she added.
