Irish HR and Employment Law Developments

President Donald Trump issued executive orders rolling back DEI efforts across the US, which contributed to job cuts in the public sector and prompted some companies to reconsider their diversity policies. Major corporations - including Meta, McDonald's, and Bank of America - have adjusted their DEI strategies, scaling back public diversity targets and shifting towards ‘merit-based’ hiring practices.If research found diverse teams are 70% more likely to capture new markets, why is opposition to DEI increasing?  Could this signal a shift for businesses in Ireland as well? With global organisations reassessing their commitments, HR leaders in Ireland face key questions:•    Does a strong DEI strategy drive business results, or is it just an added expense?•    How might changing global trends affect Irish workplace policies and expectations?•    Should businesses double down on inclusion or take a more measured approach?Julie Holmes from Legal Island and industry experts examine whether businesses should sustain, reshape, or scale back their DEI commitments in response to shifting global trends - and what this means for HR leaders in Ireland. 

Bullying and harassment remain pressing issues in Ireland, with nearly 1 in 3 workers experiencing them firsthand according to Matrix Recruitment’s recent study: Workplace Equality Report. Despite complaints being raised to HR or senior leaders, only 20% felt they were resolved promptly and discreetly. This begs the question, are the current Codes of Practice enough?Laura McKee, Knowledge Partner, Legal Island is joined by Bernadette Daly, Partner, CC Solicitors and Dr Gerry McMahon, (MD at Productive Personnel Ltd.) as they unpack key cases, share legal insights, and explore practical strategies to foster respectful workplaces.🎯 What You’ll Learn:1.    Key lessons for employers from recent bullying & harassment cases.2.    Avoiding legal pitfalls and managing tricky complaints.3.    Proactive strategies to mitigate risks and build a positive workplace culture.Dealing with bullying and harassment at work can be tricky, messy, and downright confusing. That’s why we’re bringing together a legal expert and an HR pro to help you tackle these tough situations.

Ever wondered why your top talent is heading for the exit? The answer might be closer than you think. Our webinar uncovers the pitfalls of 'accidental managers'—those well-meaning but undertrained leaders who are costing your organisation its best people. Fortune magazine reported 66% of managers are defined as ‘accidental managers’ and in this webinar, Caroline Reidy of the HR Suite and Julie Holmes, Knowledge Partner at Legal Island, uncover why undertrained managers are driving nearly a third of your workforce out the door. They look at:Impact of accidental managers on their teams and company cultureKey challenges accidental managers face in leadership rolesHR’s role in ensuring long-term leadership success

As HR professionals, ensuring an inclusive and supportive workplace is a fundamental responsibility. A recent Irish survey conducted by Red C on behalf of Bank of Ireland revealed that almost 1 in 10 adults in Ireland identify as neurodivergent, yet only half of neurodivergent employees have disclosed their condition to their employer. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how the human brain works and processes information, leading to diverse behavioural traits and interactions in the workplace. Despite this, many organisations overlook the importance of raising awareness about neurodiversity and fostering neuroinclusion.In this webinar, Declan MacQuillan, Senior Associate from Arthur Cox joins Victoria Smith from Legal Island to discuss the significance of neurodiversity in the workplace. Declan outlines the practicalities and provides his legal insights to help you:Understand your legal responsibilities under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 and how to avoid discrimination claims.Review case law examples of how some organisations mishandled their neurodivergent staff, and what we can learn from these mistakes.Outline best practices in supporting and empowering your neurodivergent employees.Victoria also discusses with Emma what HR can and should be doing to promote neuroinclusion.

As HR professionals, safeguarding the well-being of our employees is a paramount responsibility. Unfortunately, domestic abuse is an issue that affects many; in 2023, more than 54,000 domestic abuse complaints were made to An Garda Síochána, marking an 8% rise compared to the previous year. Domestic abuse and its repercussions often extend into the workplace, impacting productivity, morale, and overall health. It is essential HR makes a positive impact by fostering a supportive workplace culture to those affected.In this webinar, Emma Quinn from Eversheds Sutherland firm joins Victoria Smith from Legal Island to discuss this topic. Emma sets out the practicalities and provides her legal insights to help you:• Gain practical strategies to support employees dealing with domestic abuse, ensuring their safety and well-being at work.• Know your legal responsibilities under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act by providing Statutory Domestic Violence Leave for staff.

Duncan Inverarity of A&L Goodbody LLP and Legal Island’s Victoria Smith give you a sneak preview of the issues you need to be aware of to future-proof your organisation.Duncan provides his expert insights on what legal issues employers will need to deal with in 2024/25.We give you the inside scoop on the Annual Review and reveal some of the topics and experts who’ll be joining us! But most importantly you’ll gain insights into what’s on the employment law horizon for Irish businesses.

Industry experts Ryan Calvert and Rebekah Mulligan from MCS, alongside Julie Holmes from Legal Island, explore the latest recruitment trends – and the path to building diverse, inclusive teams. While diversity is pivotal, it's just the beginning of the journey towards true inclusivity. Learn how to kickstart this journey by establishing a robust talent pipeline, then go further by fostering a positive workplace culture that embraces everyone. We'll equip you with strategies tailored for organisations of all sizes, empowering you to create inclusive dream teams that thrive. Get ready to be inspired by real-world examples that will fuel your drive to lead change and transform your workplace into a vibrant, inclusive environment.

1 in 5 workers in Ireland had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace according to a 2019 survey conducted by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). Many conveyed that they did not report these incidents due to fears of retaliation or job loss.  Similarly, the Workplace Relations Commission acknowledges there is an underreporting of incidents, with many employees citing that they distrust the reporting processes and fear of worsening their work situation as the main reasons for not coming forward.All this underscores a critical need that HR and business leaders need to step up and address this insidious problem to ensure there are effective workplace policies and support systems in place.Victoria Smith, Knowledge Partner and employment law expert, Ciara O'Kennedy, Partner at LK Shields Solicitors LLP, discuss:Detailed explanations of what constitutes sexual harassment under Irish law and how hostile work environments can allow inappropriate behaviour to happen.Look back at key legal precedents and case law in Ireland to learn from and protect both your staff and business.Outline the legal obligations of employers under Irish law.Discuss how employers can implement robust policies and training for all staff on sexual harassmentThis essential session, tailored for HR professionals, managers, and business leaders, delves into the legal, practical, and human aspects of addressing sexual harassment within the workplace.  We discuss recent legal developments and provide insights and tips on effective policies, best practice and how best to create awareness in the workplace regarding sexual harassment.  

In this insightful free webinar, delivered by the new CEO of included, Michelle Sequira, we’ll be examining the pressing DEI challenges of 2024 and sharing the latest advice and guidance on actionable strategies to overcome them. "Beyond Barriers: Top DEI Challenges in 2024 and How to Solve Them," is designed for business leaders, HR professionals, and DEI advocates who are committed to creating more inclusive environments. Michelle will be tackling these core issues : Emerging Trends: What new DEI challenges are on the horizon as workplaces become increasingly more diverse and digital?Barrier Breakdown: Identifying systemic barriers that persist in organisations and innovative approaches to dismantle them.Actionable Solutions: Practical steps and best practices to enhance inclusivity and equity at every level of your organisation.Case Studies: Insights from leading companies that have successfully navigated complex DEI challenges.

Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of the HR Suite, and Julie Holmes from Legal Island, delve into the latest HR trends and developments specifically tailored for the Irish landscape.Are you ready to enhance your skills and tackle workplace investigations with confidence? In this webinar you'll gain insights into managing investigations in line with best practice. Discover how to streamline your approach and ensure fairness and compliance every step of the way. Learn first-hand from seasoned experts about the common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Don't risk costly mistakes – arm yourself with the knowledge and strategies to ensure your investigations are conducted seamlessly and effectively.