Day to day management of a wide range of HR aspects of work is increasingly integrated into the remit of line managers, middle managers and senior managers. This is further impacted by the increase in digitalisation of work, remote and flexible working, diverse workforces, GDPR, more globally based organisations and mobile/migrant workers. Workers too are being directly impacted by these changes in work environments. Overseeing, facilitating, supporting managers/workers and providing information in this regard is an important part of the role of HR professionals. A core issue for all organisation members is to be knowledgeable regarding key aspects of the regulations surrounding the employment relationship; to be aware of and competent in accessing the services of the relevant external institutions that govern and provide guidance and support; to understand and be skilled in developing and engaging in processes such as dignity at work, grievance issues and disciplinary issues. This is particularly challenging in remote, hybrid, globalised work situations. This module will develop students' knowledge around existing and proposed employment regulations. Guest speakers will provide insights into this aspect of work in digitalised, remote, global situations. Students will proactively explore the available institutional supports and critically reflect on the extent to which these are utilised in their own organisations. Students will examine ways of developing and implementing relevant policies in a changed work environment. They will demonstrate practical skills in the analysis and discussion of applied scenarios drawn from real world situations.

Overview- managing employment regulatory aspects in changing work environment (digitalisation, remote, global, diverse); existing regulatory aspects: Equality, dismissals, employment status, bullying and harassment, GDPR; navigating the institutions and support organisations; developing and managing compliance policies and procedures for remote workplaces. The issue of mobile workers/global work environments and implications for regulation; the gig economy; the role of trade unions and employer organisations in regulating the employment relationship.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Identify relevant regulatory issues for consideration when dealing with issues in the workplace 2. Apply regulatory knowledge to newer and emerging forms of work such as remote/hybrid/digitalised workplaces 3. Identify key institutions/representative bodies in the area of employment regulation to resolve issues at work 4. Describe the implications of global work environments with respect to managing the regulatory aspects of human resource management 5. Critically analyse a particular work situation using knowledge of the regulatory environment

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Value the importance of equality, diversity and dignity issues at work 2. Demonstrate awareness of the importance of due process, reasonableness and fairness in the employment relationship 3. Appreciate the importance of critical thinking and analytic skills with respect to resolving workplace issues.

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The module will be taught on a blended basis with teaching being conducted both online and face to face. The module will engage students in peer learning and debate, case study analysis and students will be invited to webinars by the HR professional body, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The module will utilise the flipped classroom approach to teaching. The faculty of Work and Employment Studies are actively researching in this field and such research will be both included in relevant lectures and made available to students on the online learning platform. We also draw from our national/international collaborators/research networks for guest speakers, access to publications and webinars. Some recent examples of departmental published research include: future of work report, impact of technology on workers, analysis of legislation regarding zero hours work; effectiveness of legal action with respect to wage theft, the legal situation regarding employment status in Ireland, CIPD annual HR practices survey results, gender pay gap, workplace bullying, migrant workers, diversity and work.