Special Reports
A special report is content that is edited and produced by the special reports unit within The Irish Times Content Studio. It is supported by advertisers who may contribute to the report but do not have editorial control.

Top organisations paving the way for great workplace culture in Ireland

Organisations need to be able to acknowledge and embrace the diversity of the workforce, says Cathal Divilly, CEO at Great Place to Work

Great leaders recognise the need to foster an environment where every worker feels heard, respected and recognised. Photograph: iStock
Great leaders recognise the need to foster an environment where every worker feels heard, respected and recognised. Photograph: iStock

It’s time again to recognise the top organisations in Ireland who consistently show they are going above and beyond for their employees. This year we are acknowledging an exceptional 120 organisations for our annual Best Workplaces in Ireland recognition; employees at these organisations were invited to complete the Great Place To Work survey, sharing their insights across 17 key categories of their workplace culture, which include themes like career and development, talent management, recognition and teamwork. More than 65,000 employees in Ireland were invited to complete the survey —and their responses showcased these top organisations that are paving the way for outstanding workplace culture here.

The evolution of workplaces over the past few years has undoubtedly been one of the most abrupt in decades. Despite the massive changes, the one thing that has cropped up for us at Great Place To Work consistently — trust and great workplaces go hand in hand. Among the best workplaces this year, we have seen a true commitment to building that trust that encompasses everything it means to be great.

For all

At Great Place To Work, we are constantly emphasising the importance of creating great workplaces for all employees, not just a select few. Workplaces today are more diverse and globally connected than ever before. This is why organisations need to be able to acknowledge and embrace the diversity of the workforce, recognising that people bring unique perspectives, backgrounds, and talents to the table. It’s about crafting a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter who they are or where they come from, cultivating an inclusive, supportive, and positive work environment where every individual feels respected and is given equal opportunities for growth and success. We’re always aiming to shed light on companies that are getting this right, breaking down barriers and embracing diversity as a driving force for creativity and success. After all, while trust fuels business performance, “for all” accelerates it.

Leadership is key

Great leadership is another key element which is essential for any workplace culture to truly thrive. Great leaders recognise that their organisation must be for all — they are constantly aiming to foster an environment where every employee feels heard, respected, and recognised for their contributions. By prioritising open communication and empathy, leaders build trust among the entire workforce, creating a sense of belonging that transcends individual differences. In doing so, great leadership becomes the catalyst for cultivating a workplace where each employee, regardless of background or position, can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and collectively propel the organisation towards success.

READ MORE

I was saddened to hear last month of the death of an exemplary figure of leadership in Ireland, Eddie O’Connor. When speaking on great leadership, it’s hard not to mention Eddie — a pioneer in the renewable energy sector, his inspiring work along with commitment to leading teams who could deliver the best in the business was second to none. His work will be remembered for many years to come and can serve as a great inspiration to many organisations today. I’d like to thank him and the many leaders we are recognising among our best workplaces this year, for constantly setting the bar higher and higher for what it means to be a high-trust workplace — congratulations to all.