HR and people professionals from across the west gathered in Galway to explore how the sector is evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing business landscape.

The ‘Future-Proofing HR’ event, organised by the CIPD Western Region, focused on the critical importance of aligning HR and talent strategies with core business objectives such as cost control, digital transformation and productivity.

It highlighted the CIPD’s annual HR Practices in Ireland study, carried out in conjunction with the Kemmy Business School at University of Limerick, which found that talent management, resourcing and skill shortages remain top priorities as organisations compete to attract, retain and develop workforces for the future.

It also revealed that the HR function is facing a significant challenge in aligning its priorities with the broader organisational goals.

An expert panel brought together leading voices in HR and business including the CIPD’s Market Director in Ireland, Alison Hodgson; Regional Director, IBEC, Kevin Feighery; and Managing Director of Phoenix HR & OD Consulting, John O’Hehir.

Alison Hodgson said that, as the business landscape evolves, HR must position itself at the centre of strategic decision-making – not just responding to change but actively shaping it.

“At the heart of every business transformation is its people,” she said.

“Future-proofing HR means connecting the human and commercial dimensions at work, ensuring that as organisations pursue cost control and digitalisation, they continue to invest in the skills, engagement and wellbeing of their people,” she added.

IBEC Regional Director Kevin Feighery said it was clear that HR leaders were at the forefront of addressing many new regulatory challenges – in particular, the introduction of Pension Auto-Enrolment and EU Pay Transparency.

“While these developments present significant challenges for HR professionals, they also underline the vital role HR plays within organisations. Many HR leaders are successfully guiding their organisations through key business priorities such as talent and leadership development in a rapidly changing labour market,” he said.

Pictured: Peter Casey, Associate Director, CPL; Noreen Joyce, the CIPD Western Region Chair and Alison Hodgson, the CIPD’s Market Director, Ireland, at the ‘Future-Proofing HR’ event in Galway.