First published on Thursday, November 28, 2024
Last updated on Thursday, November 28, 2024
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we give you a rundown of the week’s top employment law stories. Stay on the pulse of current trends impacting your business, plus get up-to-the-minute commentaries on all things HR and legal.
Health sector strikes cause staff shortages
Health workers represented by the trade unions Fórsa and Unite have voted in favour of industrial action in a staff shortages dispute this week.
The unions said recruitment restrictions, as well as the suppression of posts in the Health Service Executive (HSE), have put services under enormous strain. Which has put patient safety at risk.
Strike action isn’t necessarily a risk in every sector. But the recent news is a reminder for employers to keep on top of staffing levels. Research suggests understaffing leads to decreased efficiency, missed opportunities, compromised service. Perhaps worst of all, it can have a noticeable negative impact on employee health.
Struggling with staff shortages in your organisation? Using a shift and rota planning tool can help fill vacant shifts instantly and keep staff supported.
Irish businesses to invest €7.8BN in company culture in 2025
New research from Expleo shows larger enterprises in Ireland are planning to invest €7.8BN to improve company culture next year.
Companies have identified that unrealistic demands regarding office working (29%), lack of housing (26%), and lack of training (32%), were some of the biggest obstacles to hiring good talent in Ireland in 2024.
For smaller businesses, it can be difficult to know where to start when reviewing company culture.
A good place to start is by considering how to improve employee benefits package and performance management strategy to retain and attract top talent, including by focusing on employee praise, e-learning, and professional development opportunities.
SMEs have a strong appetite for digital transformation
New research finds there is a strong appetite for digital transformation among small businesses.
The study, launched by LeanBPI, in partnership with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network shows 87% of SMEs found digital tools significantly increased their productivity.
Despite this, 40% of SMEs said they weren’t satisfied with the tools they were currently using. Various studies suggest small businesses that embrace digital transformation see higher productivity, reduced risk, streamlined operations, and faster innovation compared with their larger counterparts.
Try our Payback Calculator to see fact-checked insights into how BrightHR’s digital tools can save your business money, increase efficiency, and save time.
And that’s a wrap. Tune in next week for more headlines to make sure you stay ahead of major employment law changes!
