10 Ways Employers Can Make Their Companies More Attractive
Ireland is now close to full employment, unbelievably great news for the economy, but it also means that employers are struggling to obtain and retain good talent. The traditional approach just doesn’t cut it anymore. Employees now hold the cards, and they are looking for more than a payslip. They want flexibility, inclusivity and the right culture before they sign up to work for you.
So, how can employers in West Cork, from small family businesses to larger firms stand out in such a competitive hiring landscape? Here are Employflex’s top 10 tips to make your workplace more attractive:
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1. Flexibility, Flexibility, Flexibility
Flexible work is no longer a “nice-to-have” It is the dealbreaker. Employees want options: remote work, hybrid work, compressed hours, term-time schedules, or simply flexibility around school runs. If your company culture still believes in presenteeism, you’re already losing talent. Build flexibility into job design from the start and advertise it up front and centre, don’t make candidates drag it out of you at interview stage.
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2. Value People’s Lives Outside of Work
Your employees have families, hobbies, side hustles, and, frankly, lives. A job that respects this wins every time. Think parental leave that’s genuinely supported, realistic workloads, and an understanding that people sometimes need to dash to a GP appointment without the third degree. Employers who build in “life-friendly” policies create loyalty.
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3. Ditch the ‘One Size Fits All’ Approach
Not everyone wants the same thing from work. A new graduate, a working mum, and someone nearing retirement will all have different priorities. Some want career progression, others want stability, and others want part-time options to balance with family or farming. Employers who can flex roles to suit a range of needs will attract a far more diverse and engaged workforce.
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4. Create Truly Inclusive Workplaces
Inclusivity isn’t a poster in reception or a once-a-year diversity workshop. It’s about embedding respect and equity in the culture:
• Hiring and promoting fairly.
• Making sure women, older workers, and those with disabilities are represented.
• Providing gender-neutral job ads.
• Ensuring your workplace is accessible (physically and culturally).
An inclusive workplace doesn’t just attract talent , it keeps it.
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5. Pay Fairly and Transparently
Yes, flexibility is king, but let’s not ignore pay. With the cost of living rising, people won’t stick around in a job that undervalues them financially. Transparency is key : advertise salary ranges, benchmark your pay against industry standards, and review pay regularly. A decent pension and health benefits will also tip the scales in your favour.
The new pay transparency act means you will have to advertise the money soon in any case
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6. Offer Career Progression
Employees want to grow. That doesn’t always mean climbing a corporate ladder; it might mean upskilling, training, or simply being trusted with new responsibilities. Even smaller employers in West Cork can offer this by paying for a short course, encouraging mentoring, or giving staff autonomy to run with projects. Development opportunities say, “We believe in your future here.”
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7. Think Local but Compete Globally
In rural areas like West Cork, employers often assume that people should be grateful for any job. But with remote working, your competition isn’t just down the road , it can be Dublin, Cork City, or even overseas companies offering fully remote jobs. To compete, local employers need to up their game: better flexibility, stronger culture, and more progressive thinking.
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8. Showcase Purpose and Values
Younger generations especially want to work for companies that mean something. That could be sustainability, community involvement, or simply running a business that treats people decently. Employers should communicate their “why” , whether that’s supporting local suppliers, reducing carbon footprint, or giving back to the community. Jobs with meaning will always beat soulless ones.
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9. Make Work Human
Culture eats strategy for breakfast, and it also eats recruitment budgets. A workplace where people feel respected, included, and genuinely part of something is priceless. This doesn’t mean free fruit bowls and ping pong tables, it means leaders who listen, managers who don’t micromanage, and a culture where people can bring their authentic selves to work.
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10. Ask Employees What They Want – and Act on It
The simplest way to make your company more attractive? Ask the people who already work for you. Regular check-ins, anonymous surveys, and open conversations will highlight what employees value and what’s driving them mad. The important bit is actually acting on feedback. Nothing says “we don’t care” faster than a suggestion box gathering dust.
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The Bottom Line
Attracting and retaining staff in today’s Ireland isn’t about gimmicks or token gestures. It’s about creating workplaces that people actually want to be part of, where flexibility is standard, diversity is real, and inclusivity is lived every day.
For employers in West Cork, the message is clear: adapt or lose out. Employees have choices, and they’re choosing jobs that fit their lives. If your workplace isn’t offering that, someone else’s will.
The good news? Employers who make these changes don’t just fill jobs, they build stronger, more resilient, and more loyal teams. And that’s worth more than any recruitment ad.
Full article here : https://westcorkpeople.ie/