The HRLocker Room Episode 3: Ditch the Spreadsheets: Streamlining HR Admin for SMEs

As highlighted in The Irish SME HR Report, many Irish SMEs are still relying on paper files, spreadsheets, and manual processes to manage HR. In fact, most spend one to two days per week on admin alone.

That’s a significant drain on time and resources. More importantly, it’s becoming a real compliance risk. With new legislation, increased WRC scrutiny, and rising expectations around transparent record‑keeping, outdated processes make it harder for SMEs to stay protected.

In Episode 3 of The HRLocker Room, HRLocker’s CEO, Crystel Robbins Rynne, speaks with Yvonne Clarke, Head of HR Solutions at RBK Chartered Accountants, about how SMEs can simplify HR admin, reduce manual workload and build the solid foundations needed for a modern, compliant HR function.

From time tracking and leave management to onboarding, probation, and documentation, Yvonne shares the most common issues she sees on the ground - and the practical steps SMEs can take to streamline processes and stay audit‑ready.

Key Topics

• Why SMEs still rely on spreadsheets - and the risks this creates
• Time tracking, breaks & WRC record‑keeping: what SMEs must get right
• How to build a strong recruitment, onboarding & probation process
• Automating HR admin: where to start and what to prioritise
• Change management: communication, habit‑building & employee buy‑in
• Auto‑Enrolment: what SMEs need to prepare for in 2026
• Gender Pay Gap reporting: understanding the data and the narrative
• Pay Transparency: what’s coming and how to get ahead

To help your business ditch the spreadsheets and streamline HR admin, download our practical guide: How to Centralise your HR Documents.

Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!