Discrimination and harassment claims top employers’ WRC concerns, survey finds

Survey findings reveal concerns around employment claims, record-keeping and confidence in representing organisations at Workplace Relations Commission hearings.

November 2026 – Discrimination and harassment claims are the leading employment-related concern for employers, with 64% identifying them as the type of claim they worry about most, according to new survey findings from Adare Trusted People Partners and the CIPD.

The findings, gathered from participants at a national series of mock Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearings, also highlight potential vulnerabilities in employers’ procedures, with 65% identifying the absence of management records documenting performance meetings as the procedural failing that would most damage an employer’s position at a WRC hearing.

The survey found that more than half (53%) of respondents considered their organisation reasonably prepared for a WRC claim but acknowledged known gaps. A further 23% were unsure how prepared their organisation was.

Confidence in representing an organisation at a hearing was also a concern, with 56% of respondents saying they were either not very confident or not at all confident about representing their organisation at a WRC hearing. Taken together, the findings highlight the importance of employers understanding their obligations, maintaining appropriate documentation and ensuring they are prepared to respond when workplace disputes arise.

Derek McKay, Founder and Director of Adare Trusted People Partners, said “Employment disputes can be complex, and these findings highlight some of the practical challenges employers face when trying to manage risk and prepare for a potential WRC claim. While discrimination and harassment claims are a particular concern, employers also need to look closely at the processes they have in place to manage workplace issues and document decisions. If performance meetings take place but there is no clear record of what was discussed, what was agreed or what action was taken, it can become much more difficult to demonstrate that an issue was handled appropriately.”

“Being prepared is about more than knowing the relevant employment legislation. It means having consistent procedures, ensuring managers understand their responsibilities, keeping accurate records and identifying gaps before a dispute arises. Practical experiences such as the mock WRC hearings give HR professionals an opportunity to consider how their policies and processes would stand up to scrutiny.”

The findings come as Adare Trusted People Partners joined forces with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for HR and people development in Ireland, to bring employment law and employee relations into a practical setting through a national series of mock WRC hearings.

Complaints to the WRC have risen by 44% since 2024, while the growing use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare grievances, complaints and submissions is adding further pressure to the employment dispute process.

Alison Hodgson, Director of the CIPD in Ireland, added, “The survey findings highlight the importance of ensuring HR professionals and people managers are equipped to navigate increasingly complex employee relations challenges. Upskilling and the professionalisation of HR practitioners will be critical in navigating this element of the world of work. Through our partnership with Adare Trusted People Partners, the mock WRC hearings provide a practical and engaging way to strengthen understanding of employment law, build confidence and help organisations create fairer and more effective workplace practices.”

The seven regional events formed part of a new three-year strategic partnership between Adare Trusted People Partners and CIPD. The mock hearings allowed HR professionals to experience how a workplace dispute can unfold, from the presentation of evidence and legal submissions through to cross-examination and adjudication.

The survey findings reinforce the importance of employers reviewing their workplace policies, ensuring managers understand their responsibilities and maintaining clear, consistent records of decisions and actions. Identifying gaps before a dispute arises can help organisations strengthen their employment practices and better understand what may be required if a claim proceeds to the WRC.

Through their three-year partnership, Adare Trusted People Partners and CIPD aim to support HR professionals in developing their understanding of employment law and employee relations, helping them navigate workplace challenges with greater confidence.

For all the latest HR Insights and Analysis, please visit www.adarehrm.ie.