Preparing Your People Strategy for 2026: A Guide for Irish Businesses

Written By Rabia Mirza

As businesses across Ireland and the UK begin planning for 2026, one theme is becoming increasingly clear: strategic planning is no longer just about financial forecasting or operational targets. The organisations that are getting ahead are those placing HR and people strategy at the centre of their planning conversations.

In my work with companies in Dublin, across Leinster, and throughout Ireland, I am seeing a strong shift towards people-centred planning and the impact is significant. When organisations take the time to review skills, structure, leadership capability, compliance and culture before finalising next year’s plan, the strategy becomes more realistic, more aligned, and far more likely to succeed.

This is where HR moves from being a support function to a core strategic driver.

Why Strategic Planning Must Start With People

For many years, businesses approached strategic planning from the top down: budgets first, sales targets second, operations third, and people… somewhere down the list.

But the reality is this:

👉 If your people cannot deliver the strategy, the strategy will not deliver.

This shift is particularly relevant for businesses across Ireland, where talent shortages, retention challenges, hybrid working needs, and increasing employment legislation continue to influence organisational performance.

Before stepping into 2026, leaders are asking:

  • Do we have the skills and talent we need for the year ahead?

  • Are our managers equipped to lead people well through change?

  • Does our current structure support growth, or is it holding us back?

  • Are we compliant with Irish employment legislation?

  • Are our teams engaged, motivated and aligned with our goals?

  • And most importantly, is HR positioned to drive the strategy, not react to it?

These are no longer “nice to consider” questions. They are essential.

The HR Foundations That Strengthen Your 2026 Strategy

When I work with companies on their annual planning, I focus on six core areas that directly influence delivery:

1. Workforce and Skills Planning

Identifying the roles, skills and capabilities needed for next year and where gaps exist. This includes succession planning, future hiring needs and talent development.

2. Organisational Structure

Ensuring your structure aligns with your strategic goals. Many businesses grow organically, leaving structures outdated and inefficient. Realignment can significantly improve performance.

3. Leadership Capability

Managers are the driving force behind performance, culture and employee engagement. Strengthening leadership skills is one of the most impactful steps you can take for 2026.

4. HR Compliance and Risk

With increasing scrutiny from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), having accurate contracts, policies and practices is essential. Non-compliance can lead to costly claims and reputational damage.

5. Culture, Engagement and Retention

Your people strategy must support high performance. Understanding what motivates (and frustrates) your teams is crucial for stabilising headcount and reducing turnover costs.

6. HR Processes and Operational Efficiency

Streamlined HR processes free up time, reduce errors and allow leaders to focus on strategic priorities rather than day-to-day firefighting.

These pillars create the foundation your 2026 plan will stand on.

What I’m Seeing With Businesses Right Now

Throughout Ireland, many organisations, from SMEs to larger employers, are seeking support in the following areas:

  • Preparing HR for planned growth

  • Addressing people challenges before they disrupt next year

  • Updating outdated contracts, handbooks and policies

  • Upskilling managers ahead of change

  • Reviewing structures to improve communication and delivery

  • Creating HR plans that align fully with business strategy

This proactive approach is enabling businesses to enter 2026 with clarity, confidence and the right support in place.

A Practical Tool to Support Your Planning

To help leadership teams get started, I have created a simple 3×3 Strategic Planning Tool. It helps businesses quickly identify:

  • Their top three priorities for 2026

  • The three actions required for each

  • The three owners who will drive delivery

It is intentionally simple because clarity drives action.

If you would like a branded, editable or customised version, I would be happy to provide one.

If You Want to Strengthen Your People Strategy for 2026, I Can Help

I support organisations across Ireland with strategic HR consultancy, including:

  • Strategic workforce planning

  • Leadership development and coaching

  • HR audits and compliance reviews

  • Organisational structure reviews

  • Culture and engagement strategy

  • HR documentation and best practice

  • Ongoing HR support and advisory services

Whether you need a full HR plan for 2026, support with a specific challenge, or an external partner to guide your organisation through the planning process, I would be delighted to work with you.

👉 Learn more about my HR consultancy services www.leadershipandhr.com

Rabia Mirza
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