Robert Walters’ report highlights the importance of long-term financial security for Ireland’s employees.
According to new research from recruitment platform Robert Walters, when it comes to salary or security, 62pc of participating Irish professionals are now prioritising pension contributions ahead of salary hikes.
Robert Walters oversees recruitment in a range of areas, including in finance, technology and transformation, risk, compliance and financial crime, manufacturing and engineering, among others.
The organisation collected data for the Ireland Employee Benefits Guide 2027, by conducting a survey across Ireland and the UK, gathering information from more than 3,100 professionals, more than 700 of whom were based in Ireland.
Three fifths of contributing white-collar professionals in Ireland agreed that they would prioritise employer pension contributions over a salary increase when considering a new role, while almost 80pc ranked pension contributions among the most important workplace benefits, more than double the number from 2025.
“Our new findings suggest that long-term financial security has climbed up professionals’ list of priorities,” said Tom Eaton, a director for Ireland at Robert Walters.
He said, “Over the past 12 months, we’ve noticed a growing interest in benefits that help build wealth and financial security over time, with some professionals even placing their importance above base salary.”
Redefining security
Despite a preference for pension contributions, a significant number of contributors to the research were concerned that they aren’t saving enough, while nearly half acknowledged that they are not confident that their pension savings are sufficient for their retirement.
More than one-fifth maintain a separate savings account to supplement their current pension pot and almost 80pc of participating Irish professionals find that their employer’s pension scheme enables them to feel more secure about their financial future. Comparably, less than half of participants said they regard bonuses as predictable or reliable.
Eaton said, “As economic uncertainty continues to influence business decisions, many professionals are beginning to view performance-related rewards as unpredictable sources of income. By contrast, pension contributions provide a more consistent way of employees building longer-term financial security.”
Practical perks
For employers, Robert Walters’ research found that the impact a benefits package has on long-term financial security is a key consideration when evaluating an employer.
Three-quarters of respondents who receive employer pension contributions of 10pc or more reported satisfaction with their overall benefits package, compared to just 46pc of those receiving employer pension contributions of up to 3pc.
Eaton said, “Financial security has become a major priority for more professionals. In response, employers should consider how their benefits package supports employees’ short, medium and long-term financial goals, whether through offering pension contributions, savings schemes, bonuses, or financial protection.
“Pairing this with clear guidance and educational resources will help all employees understand and make the most of the support available to them.”
The report found that, “Long-term financial security and total compensation ranked among the three most important considerations, while employer pension contributions were ranked the highest-valued benefit overall. Pension and bonus provision were also strongly associated with loyalty and overall benefits satisfaction.
“However, financial value alone does not determine how employees perceive a benefit. The findings show that contribution levels, clarity, predictability, communication and access to wider financial support all matter. To strengthen attraction and retention, employers should develop a financial benefits proposition that supports employees now while helping them build greater long-term security”
In March of this year, global talent services firm Morgan McKinley launched the Ireland 2026 Benefits Guide, which is a comprehensive national study of the way in which benefits are offered by employers. It explores how benefits are engaged with and valued by employees across Ireland’s labour market.
The research found that the Irish workplace benefits landscape is often dictated by accessibility, as younger cohorts and other groups within the workforce often have a harder time accessing benefits in comparison to more established co-workers.
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