Through working with employers from many diverse industries throughout Ireland we have built up a very good picture of the absenteeism issues affecting employers, and in particular those who manage human resources over the years.  To assist our customers we have run a number of successful conferences in recent years. As we have had very positive feedback we plan to continue with our conferences.
Before we start to plan for the next conference for HR Directors, Managers and Business Partners in 2017 we would like to share some of the details of past conferences which you may or may not have been in a position to attend.

Medical Absenteeism

Mental health
Dealing with mental health issues and managing stress in the workplace is top of many HR Manager’s priorities. It is an area where we are often asked for assistance and advice. We have covered mental health issues extensively in our conferences and we will continue to do so. In the past we have had top Consultant Psychiatrists Dr Declan Murray and Dr Finian Kelly provide detailed and insightful talks into the causes of workplace mental health problems and practical ways of addressing these. 

Musculoskeletal problems
While mental health problems are one of the top causes of medical absenteeism it is important to note that musculoskeletal problems, mainly back and neck pain also account for a large proportion of work absence. To tackle these problems Mr Paul Nicholson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Mr David Newman, Functional Capacity Assessor presented insightful talks on the topic, both also offering practical guidance for the daily management of these problems.

Practical Advice: Legal matters and case studies

It’s all well and good learning more about the background to issues faced by HR Managers throughout Ireland but our sessions have been designed to provide practical advice to deal with these issues. In the past we had Think People and Leman Solicitors present to provide really useful advice on contracts of employment and case studies of employer liability claims respectfully.
One of our own clients Stryker kindly presented a case study of their own experiences and HR Journey which opened up an animated group discussion on practical steps you can all take. 
Another client, Oracle presented their very well received case study about their employee wellness offering during a 2016 conference, which was devoted entirely to the wellness agenda.

What’s next

We started these conferences in 2013 on a pilot basis to see if there was any demand from our clients in learning practical solutions to everyday problems you face. The answer has been a resounding “Yes” and we are pleased to confirm we shall continue these conferences for as long as you find these useful. 
Keep an eye out for the invites to the 2017 conference and accept your place at the event early to avoid disappointment.

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