Annual leave is more than a perk. It’s a legal and fundamental right. A recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) decision, ADJ-00056116 published earlier this month, has underlined the risks for employers who do not actively manage staff leave. The outcome? An employer was ordered to pay over €10,500 to a former employee for untaken holidays relating to a period of 4 years.

Employee wellbeing is no longer a “nice-to-have” - it is central to organisational performance and resilience. The CIPD’s Health and Wellbeing at Work 2025 report published on 9th September 2025 provides timely insights that resonate strongly with the Irish workplace context.

For many organisations, disruption has become the norm. Whether driven by technological advances, regulatory changes, global crises, or shifting workforce expectations, organisations are under constant pressure to adapt. The ability not only to survive but to thrive in these conditions is known as organisational resilience, and it has become a defining factor for organisational long-term success.

In July 2025, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) upheld a complaint of constructive dismissal brought by a veterinary nurse who resigned after experiencing workplace conflict and associated mental health challenges. Importantly, when taking a case of constructive dismissal, the burden of proof is on the employee to evidence their claim whereas in all other cases of unfair dismissal, the burden of proof is on the employer to evidence how the dismissal was fair.

This particular case offers important lessons for employers about the duty of care they owe to staff, especially in relation to internal conflict, mental health, and grievance procedures.

Authenticity at work means employees don’t have to switch off parts of their identity to fit in. When people bring their whole self to work, trust deepens. This trust translates into open dialogue, higher morale, and improved team relationships anchored in mutual respect.  In Ireland, a growing number of organisations are intentionally crafting cultures where employees can bring their whole selves to work.

This article explores why authenticity matters, how, and practical steps for employers to cultivate an inclusive environment.

Trust is often invisible, but you can feel its presence, or indeed, its absence.  It’s the foundation of every successful team. Building trust is a dynamic process shaped by behaviour, communication, and shared experiences.  Whether you're leading a team, part of one, or trying to rebuild trust after it's been shaken, understanding how trust works, and how to nurture it; is one of the most valuable skills you can develop.  In this article, we’ll explore some of the steps you can take in order to build trust in your team.

In busy and demanding workplaces, it’s easy for leaders to focus on results, strategy, juggling meetings and getting through the seemingly endless list of things that need to get done! Yet one of the most powerful tools a leader can wield is also one of the quietest: effective listening.

Conducting workplace investigations can be very challenging processes, but done well can transform into a powerful opportunity to show fairness and respect. For line managers and HR professionals, taking a values based approach to workplace investigations creates a work culture that does more than just resolve conflicts, it upholds the dignity and trust of every employee during a very sensitive period.

Trust is the foundation of every successful workplace. A recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruling serves as a stark reminder to employers that probationary dismissals must always be handled with integrity, transparency, and fairness.

Positive leadership is the cornerstone of every successful organisation.In the fast-paced world of work, leaders who combine emotional intelligence with a servant leadership approach not only drive results but also create empowered, loyal teams. Emotional intelligence helps leaders connect authentically with their employees, while servant leadership prioritises the well-being and development of others.

Together, these leadership styles are transformative for Irish organisations seeking to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Non-profit organisations play a vital role in shaping communities and driving social change. However, recruiting and retaining talented professionals in the non-profit sector requires thoughtful strategies tailored to the unique dynamics of mission-driven work. As Ireland's job market evolves and our full employment economy evolves, non-profits must keep pace with emerging trends while staying true to their values.

Workplace conflicts can either divide teams or, with the right approach, strengthen them. Good mediation can not only resolve disputes but can also contribute to a thriving team culture and improved employee engagement. For any organisation, embracing mediation is a proactive strategy for fostering collaboration, trust, and long-term success.