Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
•   Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
•   Provide Consultation and Advice to Others Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Working Life

Work and Organisational Psychologist have a broad range of work activities, covering diverse areas such as recruitment and selection, personnel management, organisational change, work environment and ergonomics, and stress management.  

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organisational development and analysis. May work with management to organise the work setting to improve worker productivity. 

Work and Organisational Psychologist identify the main aspects of a successful job performance and set up appraisal systems for the benefit of staff and management. They train managers in appraisal techniques and recommend the best type of management system for the company.  
 
 
 
They advise on health and safety issues, studying the causes of accidents and methods to prevent them. Occupational psychologists are also experts on stress management, helping individuals and organisations to prevent or manage stress.  

 
Some occupational psychologists help organisations to adapt during periods of change. They may help to design a new management or staff structure, or a new company image. Occupational psychologists may give one-to-one counselling to people who face redundancy, helping them to plan their next career or training decision.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Formulate and implement training programmes, applying principles of learning and individual differences.
• Conduct research studies of physical work environments, organisational structures, communication systems, group interactions, morale, or motivation to assess organisational functioning.
• Conduct presentations on research findings for clients or at research meetings.
• Provide expert testimony in employment lawsuits.
• Study consumers' reactions to new products and package designs, and to advertising efforts, using surveys and tests.
• Review research literature to remain current on psychological science issues.
• Develop interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests for the purpose of employee selection, placement, or promotion.
• Conduct individual assessments, including interpreting measures and providing feedback for selection, placement, or promotion.
• Write articles, white papers, or reports to share research findings and educate others.
• Develop new business by contacting potential clients, making sales presentations, and writing proposals.

Further Information

• Occupational psychologist- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

In order to become an Occupational / Organisational Psychologist psychologist, an accredited honours undergraduate degree where psychology is the major subject is required.

Completion of a recognised accredited postgraduate training programme in Occupational / Organisational psychology is then necessary.

Recognition with the The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), is the learned and professional body for psychology and psychologists in the Republic of Ireland.

This degree must be accredited (by the British Psychological Society and the Psychological Society of Ireland) as conferring the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR), as this is a requirement for all postgraduate training courses. 

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: Applied psychology, social studies, community development with psychology, counselling, human resource management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: Applied psychology, social studies, community development with psychology, counselling, human resource management.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: Psychology, applied psychology, human resource management, psychology arts, psychology and sociology, English and psychology.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: Psychology, applied psychology, work and organisational psychology, behaviour, conversion course.

Postgraduate training is an essential prerequisite for employment in most areas of psychology, e.g. clinical, counselling, scientific research, teaching, and occupational and educational psychology.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Chartered Occupational Psychologists can follow their degrees with an accredited training course, usually lasting one-year full-time. This should be followed by at least two years' appropriate practice under the supervision of a chartered psychologist. A Masters, PhD and a Higher Diploma in psychology can be done in most universities throughout Ireland.

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

• British Psychological Society
• Psychological Society of Ireland

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €66k - €150k

Salaries vary by employer, grade, duties, role, location, and experience.

Data Source(s):
HSE/ PSI/ Indeed/ Healthcarejobs/ Jobted

Last Updated: May, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Human resource managers and directors, Human resources and industrial relations officers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth was marginally above the national average for this occupation, with employment levels almost unchanged between 2022 and 2023. Three quarters of those employed were female and 85% were in full-time roles (above the national average of 78%).

Employment permits were issued in 2023 across all sectors for roles including recruitment consultants, HR generalists/specialists, talent acquisition specialists and HR managers. Spotlight on Skills data noted that talent development (and not just retention) is in high demand which requires learning and career development skills.

The greater emphasis being placed on retention, talent development and staff wellbeing will likely counteract any potential fall in demand for HR roles for recruitment purposes due to fall in the number of hirings since the post-COVID peak in 2022.

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
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• Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)

  • Digital Office Centre Camden, 12 Camden Row, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 8, D08 R9CN, Ireland
  • (0)87 387 7179
  • [email protected]
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• British Psychological Society

  • St Andrews House, 48 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7DR
  • +44 (0)116 254 9568
  • [email protected]
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• European Association of Work and Organizational Psychology (EAWOP)

  • Department of Work and Employment Studies Kemmy Business School University of Limerick
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Health Service Executive (HSE)

  • Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
  • 041 685 0300
  • Click Here