TLDR: The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in Ireland has announced a new ‘AI, Technology and Workplace Transformation’ category for its 2026 HR in Ireland Awards. This addition reflects the growing impact of artificial intelligence on human resources, with recent research indicating that 60% of Irish workplaces report increased productivity due to AI, yet 58% lack clear policies for its use. The awards aim to recognize organizations demonstrating ethical and effective AI integration.
Dublin, Ireland – The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the leading professional body for HR and people development, has unveiled a significant update to its annual HR in Ireland Awards. For the 2026 ceremony, a new ‘AI, Technology and Workplace Transformation’ category will be introduced, highlighting the increasing prominence and transformative potential of artificial intelligence within human resources across the nation. This move underscores the CIPD’s commitment to acknowledging innovation and best practices in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
The announcement comes alongside compelling research findings that shed light on the current state of AI adoption in Irish workplaces. A study conducted for the CIPD revealed that a substantial three in five (60%) Irish organizations have experienced increased productivity as a direct result of integrating AI technologies. However, the same research also highlighted a critical gap: 58% of these workplaces have yet to provide clear guidelines or plans to their employees regarding the ethical and effective use of AI. This suggests a somewhat ‘organic approach’ to AI implementation thus far, often without a defined strategic framework.
Alison Hodgson, CIPD’s Market Director in Ireland, emphasized the importance of responsible AI integration. “The potential and possibility for AI to enrich the world of work by freeing up humans to do higher value work is infinite,” she stated. “But, it needs to be done in an ethical, responsible and sustainable way to make sure the jobs that follow are good quality jobs.” Hodgson further stressed the need for intentional strategies: “By taking an intentional approach to AI and clearly communicating with employees it can have the greatest impact.” The new award category is designed to “recognise the Irish companies who are excelling in AI and workplace transformation.”
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The 2026 CIPD HR in Ireland Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 13, 2026, at the historic Mansion House in Dublin. This year’s awards will feature prizes across 14 categories. Notably, for the first time, national winners from the Irish awards will gain the opportunity to advance as finalists to the prestigious CIPD People Management Awards in London, offering a platform for global recognition. In addition to the AI-focused category, other new categories for 2026 include ‘Reward and Recognition Strategy,’ ‘Global People Strategy,’ ‘Future Workforce Strategy,’ and ‘Most Inspirational and Impactful Leader.’ Entries for the awards are now officially open, with a closing date of October 15, 2025. Full details and application information are available on the cipd.org.ie website.
