In this episode of CREGG Insights, we speak with Conor Harty, Managing Director of Access HR, about the evolving role of HR in Irish businesses and why proactive people management is now a strategic necessity rather than a reactive fix.

Conor shares his career journey from production management and executive search into HR leadership, and explains how Access HR was created to support small and medium sized businesses with expert, flexible HR solutions.

• What HR really means in practical terms, from hiring to exit
• When growing businesses should invest in HR expertise
• Reactive versus proactive HR and why planning matters
• How the HR function has evolved in Ireland over recent decades
• The influence of European employment law on Irish workplaces
• The role AI is likely to play in HR over the next five years
• The Access HR model and how outsourced HR works for SMEs
• HR support as a compliance and peace of mind tool
• Employment law, fairness, and protecting both employer and employee
• Workplace investigations and why process and objectivity are critical
• Pay, benefits, inflation pressures, and workforce planning
• Managing organisational change and integration effectively
• Why having a trusted HR partner reduces risk and stress for employers

This episode is particularly relevant for business owners, senior leaders, and managers who want clarity, confidence, and peace of mind when navigating people related challenges.

Conor Harty is Managing Director of Access HR, a full service HR consultancy supporting SMEs across Ireland with HR support, employment law guidance, workplace investigations, and organisational change expertise.

Website: https://www.accesshr.ie

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