The CIPD was delighted to open the 2024 CIPD HR Awards in Ireland entries today at an exciting and informative launch event. Attendees were inspired by previous award winners’ stories and gained some practical insights and tips from previous entries and representatives from the judging panel.

This prestigious awards programme aims to shine a spotlight on the pivotal strategic role HR plays in Irish organisations. With 13 categories covering the HR landscape, the CIPD revisited several categories for 2024 to reflect the ever-evolving challenges being faced.

Participants now have the chance compete for the Embracing new ways of working award, the Elevating Employee Experience award, the Digital Leadership award and the award for Sustainability and Change Management.

Director Mary Connaughton emphasised the importance of the awards recognising the current realities of the workplace:

“Issues like digital work and use of AI have become a major focus for many workplaces and we are pleased to be able to incorporate these into our Digital Leadership award which focuses on demonstrating the positive impact of maintaining a people-centric focus amid technological advancements.”

As of March 2023, more than 2.6 million people were working in Ireland, according to the Central Statistics Office. A total which also includes a record number of women participants*. Experts have long believed that the expansion of flexible and hybrid working across the country, a result from the pandemic, has made it easier for women to return to or stay in employment.

Mary Connaughton believes that despite media reports of workplaces pulling back on their remote, or hybrid working schemes, these approaches still have much to offer business:

“It is clear that many employees value flexible and hybrid working, and a lot of organisations are making these practices central to their approach to recruit and retain the skills they need for the future.”

These latest labour force figures offer more proof of the value of new ways of working to organisations. In response, we have updated the Flexible and remote working category to Embracing new ways of working.

The Elevating the Employee Experience award will highlight HR teams who have developed a culture of trust and empowerment and seek to personalise the employee experience and build engagement and commitment in working towards the success of the business.

The Sustainability and Change Management award will recognise the delivery of improved business performance by implementing a programme of change and / or organisational development that also embeds a culture of sustainability.

Entries are being accepted from 30 August 2023 and the closing date is 20 October 2023. To find detailed information on all the award categories and how to enter visit our website.

Entrants and finalists will then have the opportunity to celebrate their impact and achievements at the awards ceremony taking place on 23 February 2024 at the Mansion House in Dublin. 

Enter now