Amid a booming economy, Irish employers are struggling to fill job vacancies across several sectors. It’s an employee’s market, and prospective staff have never been more discerning; with career development high on their list of priorities, businesses have had to expand their offerings to remain competitive.
“In today’s tight labour market, HR and business leaders are increasingly recognising the importance of providing opportunities for career development as a strategy to attract and retain top-tier talent,” says Vicky O’Neill, HR strategy specialist at employers’ organisation Ibec.
“Industries are converging and redefining themselves, and as the rate of change continues to accelerate, skill requirements continue to diversify. Thus, offering development is both a strategy to attract and retain talent, and to sustain businesses in the future.”
Getting it right can offer organisations a clear competitive advantage when it comes to recruitment and retention.
“Employers can benefit from nurturing employees’ growth and helping to advance their careers,” says O’Neill, pointing to 2023 research by MIT in which 67 per cent of respondents said they wanted to advance their career but 49 per cent said a lack of good career advice had hurt their job trajectory.
“This reflects a growing trend where job seekers not only prioritise salary but also the potential for personal and professional growth when evaluating employment opportunities. This data underscores the importance for employers to create structured pathways that nurture talent. Companies willing to invest in their employees’ growth can differentiate themselves from competitors, enhancing their attractiveness in a market where talent is both scarce and discerning.”
Squiggly careers
Clear progression paths are essential because they allow employees to visualise their journey within an organisation.
“These pathways do not necessarily have to be linear; focusing more broadly than linear career paths can unlock talent and potential,” says O’Neill. “The changing shape of work is leading to what has been termed ‘squiggly careers’, driven by personal passions and interests. People in squiggly careers often seek roles that align with their values and bring them satisfaction, rather than following a linear path.”
This enables talent and business to build a wider, more robust professional network, and can lead to better agility and adaptability, she explains.
Training programmes that are aligned with both employee aspirations and organisational goals can include mentorship programmes, one-to-one coaching, workshops and role-specific skill development courses.
The incorporation of wellbeing initiatives plays a pivotal role in employee development too, “and vice versa”, says O’Neill: “When organisations prioritise talent support and development they create an environment which fosters employee wellbeing while also driving sustainable high performance.”
Research from the Health and Safety Authority shows that a workforce prioritising mental, emotional and physical health is more engaged and productive.
“By prioritising talent support and development and adapting leadership practices to the evolving work environment, Irish businesses can cultivate a resilient and engaged workforce poised to navigate future uncertainties and capitalise on emerging opportunities,” says O’Neill.
Ibec’s wellbeing accreditation, the KeepWell Mark, was recently updated to reflect the latest evidence and best practices to help organisations achieve sustainable success.
“By prioritising career development and wellbeing initiatives, organisations cannot only meet the demands of the modern workforce but also cultivate a loyal and driven employee base ready to meet future challenges,” says O’Neill. “As the labour market continues to evolve, those who adapt and invest in employee and career development will outperform those who don’t.”
Getting creative about employee development
The Creative Futures Academy is also helping. It’s a partnership between the National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, whose purpose is to create a sustainable and vibrant creative and cultural sector, underpinned by a skilled workforce.
It offers a range of courses – tailored for the creative sector but highly transferable – in subjects such as digital technologies, screen and media, creative writing, visual and applied arts, and design. It offers short, part- and full-time accredited courses in flexible, hybrid formats, online and in person.
“Creative Futures Academy (CFA) stands as a valuable partner, helping businesses equip their employees with the skills needed to thrive,” says CFA director Louise Allen.
With the growth in demand for creativity in all areas of work, the courses it offers benefit a wide range of sectors.
“Creative and design-led approaches are essential in today’s workplace, driving innovation and growth. As experience economies rise, businesses must craft immersive, meaningful experiences that resonate with consumers,” says Allen.
Design thinking
That includes data consumption through creative means, such as compelling visualisations, that enhance understanding and decision-making.
“Design-led approaches also prioritise sustainability, fostering solutions that minimise environmental impact and promote eco-conscious practices,” says Allen. “By integrating creativity and design across all aspects of business – product development, marketing and operations – companies cannot only meet consumer expectations but also lead in shaping a more sustainable, engaging and impactful future for both people and the planet.”
Ireland’s creative industries already contribute significantly to the economy, with substantial growth potential identified for the coming years.
“CFA understands the importance of the creative sector to Ireland’s economy, both now and in the future. As a result, we design courses that provide professionals the opportunity to develop and future-proof their skills in an array of areas including digital content creation, production and art and design, to cultivate their talent in the best way possible – learning by doing,” says Allen.
But it isn’t just the creative sector that CFA works with.
“One of the key strengths of Creative Futures Academy is its ability to form strategic partnerships with employers,” says Allen. “Recognising the need for businesses to remain agile and competitive in an employee-driven market, CFA can collaborate with organisations to design bespoke development programmes that align with both the company’s objectives and the aspirations of their employees.”
Employers can, for example, engage with CFA to upskill their workforce in key areas such as leadership and production management, digital transformation and innovation.
“CFA has collaborated with businesses such as Accenture and Institute of Directors Ireland to develop and deliver programmes to support their employees and members. By working closely with businesses, CFA ensures that the professional development opportunities it offers are relevant, timely and directly aligned with the ever-changing needs of the industry.”
