In our recent poll on LinkedIn, we found that a staggering 68% of you (at the time of writing) are struggling to keep up to date with employment law and HR news.
And with the significant progress made across many areas of HR and business which, in turn, has brought about a raft of new legislation and other changes relevant to HR teams all across Ireland, we don’t blame you for finding it a challenge to stay up to speed!
P.S. We do have a very useful webinar coming up on recent case law, on Wednesday 28th June at 11:15. Register here and get it in the diary!
For now though, let’s read on!
As an HR professional or employer in Ireland, staying up to date with HR and employment law news is crucial to ensuring compliance and effectively managing your workforce. The dynamic nature of HR and employment legislation requires continuous learning and adaptation. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to help you stay ahead of the curve and remain informed about the latest developments in HR and employment law.
Establish reliable sources
To stay informed about HR and employment law news in Ireland, it’s essential to identify reliable sources of information. For example, we often consult with Government Websites. Regularly visit the websites of the relevant Irish government agencies, such as the Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation (DBEI), the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC). These websites often provide updates, guidelines, and legislative changes. Our range of guides and blogs provide a mix of updates from these sources along with our own experiences and practice, to give you a rounded view of the latest HR news, issues and challenges. Check them out here!
Attend events and workshops
Investing in professional development through training and workshops is an effective way to stay current with HR and employment law. Look for seminars, conferences, and webinars specifically focused on Irish employment law updates. These events provide opportunities to learn from experts, network with peers, and gain insights into best practices. Here at Insight HR, our monthly webinar series “The HR Room” is a free monthly online forum run by Insight HR, where you can have your burning questions answered. Check out over two years of previous webinars here in which we’ve spoken to many of the top employment law experts in Ireland such as Barry Crushell (Crushell & Co | Law At Work), Jennifer Cashman (RDJ), Adrian Twomey (Jacob & Twomey Solicitors), Anne Lyne (Hayes Solicitors), Catherine O’ Flynn (William Fry LLP) and many more! And, most importantly, make sure to sign up to future free sessions!
“More often than not, employment law challenges or new developments require more context and information than you’ll see in a headline. Workshops and webinars, in my opinion, are invaluable, as they give you a detailed and interactive overview of a topic, the chance to ask questions, and in most cases, the opportunity to watch again and again if needed!” Liam Barton, Senior HR Consultant, Insight HR.
Consider a course or education
Or why not go a step further and sign up to further education or training courses, specialising in employment law or associated topics? By studying employment law, HR professionals can acquire the necessary knowledge to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, minimizing legal risks and potential liabilities for their organizations. Moreover, familiarity with employment law enables HR teams and professionals to develop and implement effective policies and procedures that promote a fair and inclusive work environment, protect employee rights, and foster positive employee relations. Ultimately, a solid foundation in employment law empowers HR professionals to make informed decisions, navigate complex legal situations, and contribute to the overall success of their organizations. Our very own Rebecca Bowman, a member of our dedicated Workplace Investigations team, recently completed the King’s Inns Advanced Diploma in Applied Employment Law adding another level of expertise to both her career and the team here at Insight HR.
“Courses like this, and professional development in any form, is so important as it doesn’t just give you additional knowledge, but it also gives you fresh perspectives and the chance to learn from other practitioners too, sharing experiences, advice and guidance.” Rebecca Bowman, Workplace Investigations, Insight HR.
Listen to HR and employment law podcasts
Are you someone who prefers to consume content through the ears, via a podcast? If so, there is a wide range of HR and employment law podcasts to choose from, which have been a welcome addition to the HR world in recent years! Our very own HR Room Podcast, has over 100 episodes to choose from, covering a vast range of employment law topics and HR stories that can keep you in the loop on latest news and best practice! For employment law news, also make sure to check out podcasts from some of Ireland’s leading firms such as Maples Group, Matheson and more. Or branch out even further to the CIPD podcast, The Work Well Podcast, Aoife O’ Brien’s Happier At Work Podcast (the list goes on), who all touch upon HR and employment law related developments that are relevant to the world of work, wellbeing, productivity, company culture, and so on!
Engage with industry networks
Join HR-related industry associations and professional bodies in Ireland, such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). These organizations are often the first to know about the latest HR and employment law developments. Megan Power, HR Consultant here at Insight HR, is a big advocate for getting alerts via email or newsletters from industry bodies such as these, who share useful information on some of the breaking news within employment law and HR circles.
“It’s a challenge to stay up-to-date, of course, but getting relevant, useful and practical information directly into my inbox makes it so much easier to keep on top of the latest employment law news, and gives me a head start on what I should be working on!” Megan Power, HR Consultant, Insight HR.
Building relationships with other HR professionals and employers in Ireland via these industry networks can be immensely beneficial. Participate in HR forums, discussion groups, and networking events, both online and offline. Engaging with peers allows you to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and stay informed about emerging HR trends and legal updates. LinkedIn groups, online communities, and local HR networks can be excellent resources for connecting with like-minded professionals.
Seek external support
When it comes to understanding complex legal matters, seeking legal counsel is paramount. Consult with an employment law specialist or solicitor who specializes in Irish employment law. Establishing a professional relationship with a trusted legal advisor ensures you have access to accurate and up-to-date legal advice tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. If you would like to hear more about our HR support service, designed to keep you compliant & confident, get in touch with us at info@insighthr.ie or call 0567701060!
“Do not be afraid to seek external support on tricky HR and employment law matters. Ten minutes on the phone to an employment law expert could save you hours at the other side, if things go wrong. Whether it’s contracts and handbooks or a workplace investigation, or anything in between, gain some clarity and confidence by speaking to those in the know, before you jump in!” Mary Cullen, Managing Director and Founder, Insight HR.
Internal training and communication
Encourage ongoing learning within your organization by organizing regular HR training sessions. Allocate time for HR staff and managers to discuss and share knowledge about recent HR and employment law developments. This collaborative approach promotes a culture of continuous learning and ensures that everyone is aware of their obligations and responsibilities under Irish employment law. If you have any training requirements, whether in-person, online or even on-demand, make sure to check out our options such as Dignity At Work Investigations training, Disciplinary and Grievance training, or anything else you and your people may need!
Follow relevant social media channels
Leverage the power of social media to access real-time HR and employment law updates. Follow relevant Irish legal and HR accounts on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. These channels often share news articles, legislative updates, and practical insights. Remember to verify information from reputable sources before relying on it.
Keeping up to date with HR and employment law news is an ongoing responsibility for HR professionals and employers in Ireland. By establishing reliable sources, attending training, engaging with industry networks, seeking legal counsel, promoting internal training, leveraging social media, and most importantly, having HR and employment law support at hand at the other end of the phone, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure compliance with Irish employment legislation. Remember, staying informed is not only essential for legal compliance but also crucial for fostering a positive work environment.
Do you need further guidance on this topic? Do you want to hear about how we can help you navigate the world of HR and employment law?
Insight HR has been in business for over twenty years. Our HR consultants and advisors have amassed a huge amount of project-based experience gained by working with clients in a broad range of sectors. We have stood in your shoes and have an understanding of organisational politics and power dynamics within organisational structures. We also fully understand the strains HR people are under and can support and help HR professionals to grow in confidence and develop professionally with our support.
We can offer an entirely private and confidential HR helpline service to our clients, where we provide on-going advice and guidance on critical aspects of managing staff on a retainer basis. We have wide-ranging experience of many of the typical people-related issues and problems facing companies in Ireland and will help you to resolve these issues. We can hold your hand and together work through every issue that you may be facing. In particular, we provide advice and guidance on redundancy management, tricky workplace investigations, industrial action, poor management practices as well as day to day issues like reducing absenteeism, recognising and dealing with poor performance, dealing with persistent lateness, handling discipline and grievance issues, and improving individual performance.
Insight HR has you covered. Get in touch with us today at 0567701060 or send an email to info@insighthr.ie.