Sustainability is shaping the talent market

Irish businesses are facing a decisive shift in how jobseekers evaluate potential employers. A third of candidates now research ESG commitments before applying, with half saying a clear sustainability policy strongly influences whether they accept a role. Younger professionals, in particular, are bringing climate priorities into interviews, signalling a rising expectation for tangible, embedded action rather than surface-level statements.

While interest in green roles is high, barriers remain. Many candidates lack formal sustainability qualifications, yet nearly 60% believe internal upskilling could open the door to climate-focused careers. Employers willing to invest in developing green skills in-house could turn this gap into a competitive advantage, positioning themselves to meet both recruitment challenges and sustainability goals.

The future job landscape will be shaped by growth in renewable energy, the circular economy, biodiversity, climate policy, climate tech, AI-driven sustainability data, and ESG regulation. Those who align talent strategy with this evolution will be best placed to secure the workforce of tomorrow.

Read the full article to see the data driving this shift