As Ireland enters another year of economic uncertainty and opportunity, organisations are being asked to deliver more than ever before. Performance expectations are rising, productivity pressures are intensifying, and competition for talent remains a defining challenge. Yet history shows that periods of disruption are also moments of possibility. The organisations that succeed are those that invest in their people – not as a cost, but as a source of strength and advantage.
The Best Workplaces recognition exists to bring that belief to life.
Each year, employees across Ireland share their experience of work through the Best Workplaces assessment. Their feedback offers a clear view of leadership in practice – how decisions are made, how people are treated, and whether trust and support are felt at every level of the organisation. I want to thank the tens of thousands of employees who take the time to share their experiences so openly; your voices are central to everything we do.
Drawing on this feedback, we see a powerful picture of what high-performing workplaces are doing differently. The results are clear and consistent: those that build high-trust cultures outperform their peers. They create clarity around purpose, invest in leadership capability, and align people practices with business strategy. Trust influences how work gets done, how decisions are made, and ultimately, how performance is sustained over time. I am grateful to the organisations we work with for their trust and continued support in engaging with this process year after year.
Technology, evolving workforce expectations, and global uncertainty will continue to reshape how work is done. The most successful organisations will be those that combine innovation with humanity, using data and technology to unlock potential while keeping trust, empathy, and connection at the heart of work. This balance will define sustainable performance in the years ahead.
At Great Place to Work, our purpose is simple and enduring: to help every organisation become a great place to work for all. We do this because work has the power to shape opportunity, performance, and progress. When people thrive at work, organisations grow stronger and, in turn, make Ireland’s workforce better prepared for what the future holds.
Congratulations to all organisations recognised in this year’s list. Your leadership, ambition, and commitment to trust have set a powerful example for others. You show that even in challenging times, it is possible to build organisations where people believe in what they do, perform at their best, and help shape the future of work.
I would also like to thank my colleagues at Great Place to Work for their commitment to building better workplaces. Their work enables organisations to better understand their cultures and create environments where people can do their best work. I am thankful to the team for their professionalism, hard work, and commitment. It is my privilege to work alongside them.
It is through this shared commitment that better workplaces are built and real progress is made.
– Jim Flynn, chief executive , Great Place to Work
