More than 120 business leaders, HR professionals and SME owners came together today at Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa for the Kerry HR Forum 2025, hosted by The HR Suite, a NFP Company in partnership with Tralee Chamber Alliance.
The event, themed “Planning Your HR Priorities 2026”, provided attendees with expert guidance on navigating strategic HR priorities in volatile times, managing multigenerational workforces, rewarding and retaining teams, and preparing for upcoming legislative changes including pension auto-enrolment and pay transparency laws.
Speaking after the forum, Colette O’Connor, CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance, said:
“This event is a clear reflection of the appetite among Kerry businesses to prepare strategically for the year ahead. It was inspiring to see over 120 business representatives come together to share knowledge, network, and gain insights from The HR Suite team on issues that will shape workplaces in 2026 and beyond. We also want to acknowledge The HR Suite for their continued support as a Strategic Partner of the Chamber, which enables us to deliver initiatives like this that directly benefit our business community.”
The HR Suite’s Managing Director, Caroline Reidy, who led the presentations, emphasised the importance of preparation in a changing HR landscape:
“With so many legislative and workforce changes coming down the track, it’s vital for employers to be proactive. Today’s turnout shows that businesses in Kerry and beyond are serious about supporting their teams while remaining compliant and competitive.”
The forum concluded with a lively Q&A session and networking opportunity, giving local businesses a chance to exchange ideas and practical strategies to take back to their workplaces.
Key Takeaways from Kerry HR Forum 2025
- Plan ahead for legislative changes: Businesses must prepare now for pension auto-enrolment, pay transparency and other regulatory updates to ensure compliance.
- Focus on retention & engagement: Rewarding and retaining staff remains a top priority for employers seeking to strengthen team loyalty and productivity.
- Leverage the multigenerational workforce: Adopting best practices to manage and engage employees across generations will be critical for future success.