Ireland’s economic success and social progress have long been underpinned by our commitment to openness, inclusion and respect. These values have shaped our global reputation and helped position Ireland as an exceptional place to live, work, visit and invest. They are central to the strength of “Brand Ireland” as a country where people can build a life, contribute and belong, regardless of your background, creed or identity.
In recent years, however, we have seen a rise in anti-immigration, anti-LGBT+ and anti-establishment sentiment, often amplified by misinformation and disinformation. This trend risks fuelling division and undermining the inclusive society that has been fundamental to Ireland’s economic resilience and attractiveness.
Ibec’s Open for Business campaign reaffirms the shared belief of Irish business that an open, outward looking and inclusive society is essential to our long-term prosperity. As the campaign rolls out, we will highlight the positive economic and social impact of inclusion through case studies, podcasts and events. It will also provide practical tools and guidance to support employers in fostering respectful workplaces and in assisting employees who may be affected by harassment, misinformation or online hostility.
By championing these values, we can protect Ireland’s reputation, strengthen social cohesion and ensure that our economy remains competitive, innovative and globally connected.
Workplace Toolkit
Creating workplaces where every employee feels safe, respected and supported is central to strong organisational culture and performance, and this toolkit is designed to help you achieve exactly that. It equips your organisation with practical guidance to prevent and respond to aggression, harassment and racism in the workplace.
This comprehensive resource supports employers with clear definitions, legal responsibilities, real‑world case studies, risk assessment tools, and actionable steps to protect staff wellbeing. Use it to strengthen your policies, build psychological safety, and foster a respectful, inclusive environment where every employee can thrive.
Misinformation and Disinformation
In an era of rapid digital change, employers are increasingly navigating an information landscape where accuracy, trust and clarity cannot be taken for granted. This guidance provides practical tools to help organisations understand and respond to the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.
It outlines how information is produced and consumed today, the risks this poses for workplace culture, decision‑making and reputation, and the steps employers can take to build resilience through media literacy and critical thinking. Use it to support informed communication, protect your organisation, and contribute to an open, inclusive economy grounded in shared facts and constructive dialogue.
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Open for Business: Stories of Openness, Inclusion and Leadership
As part of Ibec’s Open for Business campaign—an initiative designed to reinforce Ireland’s commitment to progressive social values and an outward‑looking economy—we are showcasing powerful stories from leading organisations that are championing inclusion in their workplaces and communities.
At a time when divisive narratives threaten social cohesion, these case studies highlight the real actions businesses are taking to strengthen trust, foster belonging, and protect Ireland’s reputation as an open, welcoming economy. Through authentic accounts from companies across sectors, we demonstrate how diversity, equality and inclusion are not just moral imperatives—they are drivers of innovation, resilience and long‑term economic success.
Each story explores:
- The context and challenges facing the organisation
- Meaningful actions taken to support openness, diversity and equality
- The impact on employees, customers and wider society
- Lessons learned and future commitments to inclusive practice
Launch event
This past November, we were delighted to hold the launch event for the Open for Business campaign at our Dublin office.
Fiona Murphy, Associate Director at Edelman, gave a deep dive of the Edelman 2025 Trust Barometer, offering crucial insights into the impact of misinformation and economic uncertainty on public sentiment.
This was followed by an insightful panel discussion with contributors Fiona Murphy (Edelman), Carolan Lennon (Salesforce), and Diana Sirila (Tech Counsel), and included our own Kara McGann and Fergal O’Brien.
