It is estimated that more than a quarter (26%) of Irish employers experienced a workplace dispute in 2016 while almost one in five (17%) organisations experienced a personal injury claim. 
   
This according to a survey of over 250 organisations representing more than 50,000 employees from across the private and public sectors. The research was carried out by Adare Human Resource Management during June and July of 2017. 

Disciplinary issues account for the single greatest cause of disputes at 37%, followed by grievances at 32%. Thirty-five per cent of organisations who experienced a dispute in 2016 have been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) or the Labour Court. Of these, the majority have been invited on more than one occasion, with 30% attending on more than three occasions.
   
The study found that retention (40%) is the main priority for organisations in 2018, with recruiting and resourcing (32%), along with talent management (22%) making up the top three priorities, closely followed by performance management cited by nearly 1 in 5 organisations as being a priority.
   
Commenting on the research, Managing Director at Adare Human Resource Management, Derek McKay said, "Learning and development is one of the key elements impacting employee retention and engagement. Employees want to know what investment their employer will make in their development. Employees also tend to perform much better when they have a clear understanding of their development needs and potential future opportunities within their organisation."

He added, "Retention, recruitment and talent management being top priorities for the year ahead is hardly surprising as we are now in a tightening labour market. Competition for top talent is intensifying and it is becoming increasingly important for organisations to retain their key employees and have effective recruitment processes to ensure the right candidates are attracted and selected in the first place."

Source: www.businessworld.ie