The Human Resources Professional Handbook: Practice, Compliance and the Future of Work

Description

Author: Mary Seery Kearney | ISBN:  9781917134279 | Format: Paperback | Price:  €45 | Publishing:   5 June 2026

About

Human resources practice in Ireland demands more than procedural competence. It requires theoretical understanding, legal precision, and the practical wisdom to navigate the complexity of real organisational life.

The Human Resources Professional Handbook is the definitive resource for HR practitioners operating within Ireland’s distinctive legal and employment relations landscape. Spanning eleven authoritative chapters, it integrates the theoretical foundations of HR practice with rigorous coverage of Irish employment law from the Workplace Relations Commission to the EU AI Act and delivers practical frameworks ready for immediate implementation.

From talent acquisition and remuneration to equality, data protection, artificial intelligence, and corporate sustainability reporting, this handbook addresses the full breadth of contemporary HR practice. It is equally attentive to the emerging challenges reshaping the profession: hybrid working, algorithmic decision-making, psychosocial risk, and the growing demands of ESG governance.

Whether read as a comprehensive course in Irish HR practice or consulted as an authoritative reference, this handbook offers what practitioners too rarely find in a single volume: scholarly rigour, legal accuracy, and operational guidance working in concert.

An indispensable resource for HR professionals, employment lawyers, and organisational leaders navigating the evolving world of work in Ireland.

Content Includes

Introduction: Purpose, Scope and Structure of this Handbook
Chapter 1: HR Philosophy, Theory, Culture, Legal Framework
Chapter 2: HR Practice Framework and Legal Environment
Chapter 3: Strategic Talent Acquisition and the Commencement of the Employment Relationship
Chapter 4: Working Time, Leave, Remote and Flexible Work Arrangements
Chapter 5: Remuneration, Compensation, Reward, Performance and Development
Chapter 6: Employment Transitions, Change Management and Dispute Resolution
Chapter 7: Industrial Relations Mechanisms in the State, Trade Unions, Sectoral Employment Orders, Employment Regulation Orders and Collective Agreements
Chapter 8: Equality, Diversity and Harassment Prevention: Creating Inclusive and Safe Workplaces
Chapter 9: Health, Safety and Wellbeing Integration
Chapter 10: AI, Privacy, Data Protection and Information Security
Chapter 11 Strategic Governance, Sustainability and Evolving Environmental, Geopolitical and Culture Management

About the Author

Mary Seery Kearney, is a thought leader and specialist in privacy, artificial intelligence, employment law and corporate governance.  She is also a  practising barrister and former Senator in the 26th Seanad Eireann.

Who Should Buy This Book?

The Human Resources Professional Handbook is an indispensable resource for HR professionals, employment lawyers and organisational leaders navigating the evolving world of work in Ireland.