Employee Benefits Survey: What Tech Professionals Really Want
Posted on:
by Namratha Ambat
IT Jobs and Recruitment Insights
In today’s tech talent market, salary alone is no longer the sole differentiator, benefits have an equal impact. But what benefits actually matter most in 2025? Are your offerings helping you win talent—or quietly pushing them away?
At GemPool, we’ve spent years helping tech companies across Ireland hire and retain top talent. And one of the most common questions we hear from hiring managers is: "Are we offering the right employment benefits to attract the best candidates?"
To help answer that, we surveyed hundreds of tech professionals across Ireland to understand what benefits they truly value. Our 2025 Employee Benefits Survey Results guide is now available to download—and it’s packed with insights that can shape your hiring strategy, reduce attrition, and make you more competitive in a tight market.
But before you dive into the full guide, here’s a glimpse into what we uncovered.
The Benefits Landscape in Ireland’s Tech Sector
There’s been a major shift in the expectations of tech professionals in Ireland over the last few years. While a competitive salary remains important, employment benefits being offered in Ireland are now playing a more central role in decision-making—especially when it comes to IT jobs in Ireland.
From our survey, it’s clear that a “one-size-fits-all” approach no longer works. Benefits that once seemed like nice-to-haves—like hybrid working—are now expected as standard. Others, like enhanced pensions, mental health supports, and meaningful learning and development opportunities, are climbing rapidly in importance.
For hiring managers, the challenge is knowing which benefits to invest in and how to communicate them effectively.
What Are the Most Popular Company Benefits Being Offered?
So, what are employers offering—and what are candidates actually looking for?
According to our data, here are some of the most popular company benefits being offered in Ireland’s tech industry:
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Pension Contributions: A strong pension plan continues to be a key decision-making factor, especially for more experienced professionals.
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Hybrid or Flexible Work Models: Remote or hybrid options are no longer a perk—they're a baseline expectation.
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Learning & Development Allowances: Training budgets, online courses, and upskilling support are highly valued, particularly by Gen Z and early-career professionals.
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Private Health Insurance: Still a top priority for many, particularly for those with families.
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Equity/Share Options: While not yet widespread, equity is becoming more sought-after, especially among candidates in start-up and scale-up environments.
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Wellbeing Supports: Gym memberships, mental health days, and employee assistance programmes (EAPs) are rising in relevance.
These findings are not just helpful for employers looking to enhance their value proposition. They’re also useful for candidates looking for tech jobs based in Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland, who want to know what’s realistic to negotiate for in today’s market.
Employer Benefits in 2025: Meeting Expectations Without Breaking the Bank
A big question we get from employers is how to stay competitive without significantly increasing costs.
The good news? Not all in-demand benefits are expensive. Many of the things candidates care about most—like flexible work, learning opportunities, and transparent communication—require more cultural change than financial investment.
That’s why it’s so important to have accurate data. When you know what your talent pool truly values, you can prioritise what matters, differentiate yourself from competitors, and reduce the risk of costly hiring missteps.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
The Irish tech sector is experiencing a cautious rebound. While layoffs and hiring slowdowns defined the past year for many, there's now a gradual shift back toward growth—especially in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure.
But with more open roles, especially in tech jobs in Ireland, comes more competition for top talent.
If your benefits offering hasn’t been reviewed in the past year, it’s likely falling short. Candidates are more informed, more vocal, and more selective than ever. And as employers, staying aligned with what they want is no longer optional.
For Candidates: Know What to Ask For
If you're currently job-hunting—or planning to negotiate an offer—it’s crucial to understand the employment benefits being offered in Ireland right now. Too often, candidates accept the first offer without knowing what's on the table elsewhere.
Our guide gives you a real-world snapshot of what your peers are asking for and receiving. Whether you're negotiating a new role or considering a counteroffer, you’ll be better equipped to advocate for what you deserve.
Download the 2025 Guide Now
Whether you're responsible for hiring, managing people, or negotiating your next offer, this guide is designed to give you clear, credible, and actionable insights.
Inside, you'll find:
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What tech professionals in Ireland rank as their top priority benefits.
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How you can increase your retention rates
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Practical recommendations for employers and candidates alike.
At GemPool, we believe in data-led, people-first hiring. This guide is just one way we’re helping to bridge the gap between what tech talent wants and what employers can offer.
