The HR Room Podcast
The HR Room Podcast is a series from Insight HR where business leaders from Ireland share advice on creating HR systems and workplace culture. Each episode features conversations with experts and practitioners who offer practical insights for building effective people management strategies. The podcast aims to help business owners and managers develop the right HR approaches for their organizations.
Episodes
Ep 280 - The New Role of HR: From Paternalism to Partnership
The relationship between employers and employees is changing. The era of the "job for life" has long since disappeared, but so too is the more recent model where organisations sought to become a source of identity, community, purpose and even care for their employees. With AI accelerating change, economic uncertainty increasing and the balance of power shifting once again, the psychological contra
[REWIND] Ep 124 - Managing Underperformance
This week, we are republishing one of our most popular episodes from The HR Room Podcast. This episode was first published on Jun 27, 2023.
Across the month of July, we’ll be talking all things performance management, looking at best practices, employer stories, new approaches and common challenges. So to round off June, and set us up for next month, we’re going to discuss one of the most obvious
[REWIND] Ep 191 - Managing a Disciplinary Hearing
For the next two weeks, we will be republishing some of our most popular episodes from The HR Room Podcast. This episode was first published on Oct 8, 2024.
Today, we're diving into one of the more challenging and often nerve-wracking aspects of HR—managing a workplace disciplinary hearing. It’s a process that, when not handled properly, can lead to unnecessary stress, strained relationships, an
[REWIND] Ep 132 - How to manage: Workplace Investigations
For the next few weeks, we will be republishing some of our most popular episodes from The HR Room Podcast. This episode was first published on Aug 22, 2023.
The demand for investigations in the workplace is constantly growing. Misconduct is taking place in workplaces, leaving HR teams and organisations with the task of tackling a workplace investigation. But given the time, complexity and seriou
Ep 279 - Why Human Connection at Work is Under Threat
Bridging the Connection Gap: Why Work Feels More Disconnected Than Ever
We've never had more ways to communicate at work, yet many employees have never felt more disconnected. With hybrid working now firmly established, organisations are grappling with a new challenge: how do you build genuine human connection when work has become increasingly digital, transactional and fragmented?
In this episode
Ep 278 - Creating a Bully-Free Culture
Every organisation wants to provide a workplace where people feel respected, safe and valued. Yet despite widespread awareness, robust policies and increased reporting, workplace bullying and incivility continue to undermine employee wellbeing, engagement and organisational performance.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Liam Barton (Commercial Director - Insight HR) are joined by Dr
Ep 277 - How to Build Resilience in HR
HR professionals are often the people organisations turn to during their most difficult moments. Whether managing restructures, navigating conflict, supporting employee wellbeing or leading organisational change, HR is expected to remain calm, objective and resilient. Yet, the emotional toll of the profession itself is rarely discussed.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joi
Ep 276 - New Retirement Rules: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
For decades, a contractual retirement age of 65 was a standard feature of employment in Ireland. However, from 29 June 2026, that position has fundamentally changed. New legislation now gives many employees the right to request to remain in employment beyond their contractual retirement age and continue working until they reach the State Pension age of 66.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, D
Ep 275 - Beyond Our Borders: What Global Workplace Cultures Can Teach Us
Workplace culture is shaped by far more than policies and procedures. It reflects societal values, leadership behaviours, attitudes to work-life balance, and what organisations choose to reward and recognise. As debates around remote working, flexible working and employee wellbeing continue, many employers are looking beyond their own borders for inspiration.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast
Ep 274 - The Importance of Being Human in the Age of AI
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in our workplaces, communication, leadership and even creativity are changing rapidly. AI can now help us write presentations, craft speeches, prepare for interviews and produce polished content in seconds. But while technology can enhance how we communicate, it cannot replace the human qualities that create genuine trust, influence and conn
Ep 273 - The Working Mind: Building Healthier Workplaces
Mental health continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing workplaces today. While awareness around employee wellbeing has grown considerably in recent years, many organisations still struggle to translate good intentions into meaningful, practical support for employees.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we explore how organisations can move beyond surface-level wellbeing in
Ep 272 - How Heineken Built a People-First Culture
What does it really mean to build a people-first culture? And how can organisations ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded into the systems, processes and leadership behaviours that shape everyday employee experiences?
In this episode of The HR Room, we explore how Heineken have developed a culture where people, performance and business success work hand-in-hand. With our special
Ep 271 - The Hidden Habits Impacting Women at Work
Despite significant progress around gender equality in the workplace, many women still face internal and external barriers that can impact their confidence, visibility, and career progression. From self-doubt and imposter syndrome to difficulties promoting achievements and building influence, certain workplace habits can quietly hold talented professionals back from reaching their full potential.
Ep 270 - HR at the Movies: The Devil Wears Prada 2
Back in 2006, The Devil Wears Prada introduced audiences to one of cinema’s most iconic workplace bosses: Miranda Priestly. At the time, her leadership style -demanding, authoritarian and often toxic - felt strangely familiar to many people working in corporate environments.
But nearly twenty years later, workplace culture has changed dramatically, and we see that play out in cinemas at the moment
Ep 269 - Preparing for Pay Transparency: Why Job Evaluation Matters
The EU Pay Transparency Directive is fast approaching and despite widespread confusion, it has not been delayed in Ireland. While there may be some leniency around enforcement in the early stages, organisations are still expected to take meaningful steps towards compliance before June 2026.
One of the most important (and often overlooked) elements of preparation is the implementation of a robust j
Ep 268 - Workplace Inclusion: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
When we talk about diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, it’s easy to focus on metrics, reporting, and representation targets. But what happens when the data improves — and yet employees from underrepresented groups still don’t feel fully included at work?
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we explore the latest findings from Elevate, the Inclusive Workplace Pledge led by Business
Ep 267 - The Hidden Cost of Sitting Still
Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues — from back pain to joint and muscle injuries — are one of the most widespread and costly health challenges affecting today’s workforce. While often overlooked or accepted as inevitable, these conditions are having a significant impact on employee wellbeing, absenteeism, and organisational performance.
In fact, research suggests that up to 64% of desk-based employees m
Ep 266 - Navigating the Fuel Crisis: What HR Needs to Know
Rising geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflict between Iran and the US are continuing to create volatility in global energy markets — and while recent government measures have brought some reduction in fuel prices, uncertainty remains in Ireland.
In recent weeks, there have been reports of fuel shortages at pumps, alongside rising costs that are placing real pressure on both employees and emplo
Ep 265 - Dawn of the AI Zombies
As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in everyday work, a new concern is emerging: are we becoming overly reliant on it? In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Dr. Ryne Sherman, Chief Science Officer at Hogan Assessments, to explore the concept of the “AI zombie” — and what it could mean for the future of work.
The conversation examines how increasing depend
Ep 264 - Org Design: From Strategy To Structure
Organisational strategy often looks clear on paper — but translating that strategy into a structure that actually works in practice is where many organisations struggle. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by returning guest John Kennedy, Head of HR Organisational Development at Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), to explore how HR leaders can move from high-level strategy t
Ep 263 - Understanding Gen Z in the Workplace
Gen Z are rapidly becoming the most influential generation in the workplace — and by 2035, they are expected to be the largest cohort in the workplace globally. Raised in a fully digital world and shaped by economic uncertainty, global crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, they bring distinct expectations around work, wellbeing and career development.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and M
Ep 262 - The Importance of Play at Work
Playfulness at work is often misunderstood as being unprofessional or distracting — yet growing research shows that adopting a more playful mindset can enhance psychological safety, boost creativity and improve team performance.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Kelsey Kates, founder of Playfully Works and former Global Head of Learning Experiences at Google. Kels
Ep 261 - Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Neurodiversity is increasingly recognised as a natural and valuable part of workforce diversity — but many organisations are still unsure how to translate awareness into meaningful workplace change.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave is joined by returning guest Stacey Machesney, Head of Health & Wellbeing at Irish Life, and Joe Redmond, HR Consultant at Insight HR. Both guests share
Ep 260 - The EU Pay Transparency Directive: Everything You Need to Know
Pay transparency is about to transform how organisations manage compensation, communicate pay decisions, and demonstrate fairness in the workplace.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave is joined by Pat Gurren, Managing Director of Gurren Compensation Consultancy, to unpack the EU Pay Transparency Directive and what it means for employers ahead of its implementation in June 2026.
With over
Ep 259 - How to Navigate Irish Immigration Law
Immigration and employment law continues to evolve — and for HR professionals in Ireland, staying compliant while attracting global talent has never been more important.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave is joined by Alice Heron, Manager at Fragomen, one of the world’s leading immigration services firms, to break down everything HR leaders need to know about Irish immigration law in 202
Ep 258 - Is Manchester Utd a Toxic Workplace?
If you worked somewhere that went through 10 managers in 12 years, made hundreds of redundancies, removed long-standing employee benefits, and had leaders publicly criticise their own team - would you consider it a toxic workplace?
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Joe Thompson, Head of HR Services at Insight HR, to examine one of the most talked-about organisatio
Ep 257 - Still Boxed In: Gender Stereotypes At Work
Gender stereotypes continue to shape how work is valued, how talent is assessed, and how people progress in organisations, often in ways that operate beneath the surface of conscious awareness. Despite decades of progress on gender equality, deeply embedded assumptions about leadership, competence and commitment continue to influence workplace decisions.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dav
Wellness Works Ep3: Embedding Wellbeing through Champions
Embedding workplace wellbeing takes more than good intentions and one-off initiatives. It requires people across the organisation who are willing to champion it every day. In this episode of the Wellness Works mini-series on The HR Room Podcast, Dave Corkery and Laura Barry, Head of People Development at Insight HR, are joined by special guest Brian Crooke, Founder of Workplace Wellbeing Ireland a
Ep 256 - Conflict Case Study: David Walliams vs HarperCollins
Workplace investigations sit at the heart of fairness, trust and accountability in organisations. But when investigations involve high-profile individuals, external parties, or allegations of serious misconduct, the scrutiny can be intense and the risks for employers multiply rapidly if fair procedures are not followed.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Rebecca Bo
Wellness Works Ep2: Wellbeing Begins with Leadership
Workplace wellbeing is often talked about as an HR initiative – but without leadership ownership, even the best programmes struggle to succeed. In this second episode of the Wellness Works mini-series on The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Laura are joined by special guest Stacey Machesney, Head of Health & Wellbeing at Irish Life, to explore why leadership is the true foundation of sustainable work
Ep 255 - When Redundancies Go Wrong
Redundancies are one of the most sensitive and high-risk moments in the life of any organisation. When they are mishandled, the consequences can be profound - from reputational damage and industrial action to long-term impacts on trust, morale and employer brand.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by employment law specialist Adrian Twomey, Partner at Jacob & Twom
Wellness Works Ep1: Yoga Mats and Fruit Bowls Aren't Enough
Workplace wellbeing is a phrase we hear all the time - but what does it actually mean in practice? For some, it’s fruit bowls and yoga mats. For others, it’s leadership, culture, and how work is really experienced day to day. In reality, true workplace wellbeing goes far deeper than perks and initiatives.
In this first episode of a new four-part wellbeing mini-series on The HR Room Podcast, Dave i
Ep 254 - Ireland's HR Landscape 2026
As Irish organisations head into 2026, HR leaders are facing a complex mix of challenges - from attracting and retaining talent in an increasingly competitive market, to navigating cost pressures, culture change, and new regulatory demands like the EU Pay Transparency Directive. At the same time, there’s a strong sense of optimism across the profession, with many organisations investing in leaders
The 10 Key HR Insights of 2025
This episode of The HR Room, we’re looking back at a great year of conversations with some of Ireland’s best HR leaders. We’ve pulled together a little selection box episode for you collating our ten key learnings from these conversations in 2025.
Each insight has a supporting clip to it, but if you’d like to go back and listen to the full conversation on any of the topics, you’ll find the episode
Ep 253 - Designing Workplace Wellbeing That Lasts
In a world of hybrid working, constant connectivity and rising pressure, employee wellbeing is no longer a “nice to have” - it’s a business imperative. Yet many organisations still approach wellbeing through surface-level perks rather than addressing the deeper cultural, structural and leadership factors that truly impact how people feel at work.
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Ma
Ep 252 - Migrant Women & Employment - The Talent Ireland Is Overlooking
Migrant and refugee women in Ireland face significant and overlapping barriers when trying to access employment — from qualification recognition issues and childcare responsibilities to language barriers, rural isolation, unconscious bias, and confusion around immigration permissions. At a time when employers are struggling to find skilled talent, these barriers represent not just an equality issu
Ep 251 - Festive Fallout: The HR Reality of Christmas Parties
The Christmas party season should be a time for joy and celebration — but for HR teams, it’s often the exact opposite. Misconduct, blurred boundaries, alcohol, drugs, safety concerns, dignity-at-work issues, employer liability… every December, HR braces for what can become the messiest time of the year.
In this episode, Dave and Mary are joined by Adrian Twomey, Employment Law Expert & Partner
Ep 250 - The Biggest HR Challenges of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
We've reached a milestone - 250 episodes of The HR Room Podcast!
To mark the occasion, we’re taking a step back to look at how dramatically the world of HR has transformed since Episode 1… and what the next era of HR might look like.
Dave and Mary are joined by Liam Barton, Commercial Director at Insight HR, to reflect on where HR has been, where it is now, and where it’s heading.
Together they un
Episode 249 - How to 'Future-Skill' Your Organisation
Ireland has ranked 33rd out of 35 in the latest Hays Global Talent Tracker - but what does that really mean? And more importantly, what does it mean for you and your business?
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we dive into the realities of Ireland’s current talent market, the challenges highlighted by the Global Talent Tracker, and what HR and business leaders can start doing today to prepar
Episode 248 - Fit for Purpose? Why Everyone Dreads Performance Reviews
Performance management has been a cornerstone of HR for decades - but is it still doing what it’s meant to do?
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of performance management - the processes, the pain points, and the possibilities for change. Are traditional appraisal systems still fit for purpose in today’s workplaces? What’s working, what’s not, and how do both
Episode 247 - Closing the Gap: Pay Transparency & Gender Pay Gap Reporting
With the EU Pay Transparency Directive on the horizon and gender pay gap reporting obligations expanding to more Irish employers, how can organisations prepare for the changes - and ensure they’re creating fair, equitable workplaces for all?
In this episode, Dave and Mary are joined by Anita Whyte Moran, founder and host of The Femcast podcast, to explore the evolving landscape of gender equality
Episode 246 - Fake Facts, Real Consequences: The AI Authority Problem
When artificial intelligence speaks with confidence - but gets the facts wrong - what happens next? And how do you reduce the risk and spot fake facts?
In this episode, Dave and Mary explore the growing “AI authority problem”: our tendency to believe confidently delivered misinformation. Prompted by a recent case where AI-generated legal papers by a Ryanair employee derailed a €170,000 WRC claim,
Episode 245 - The Hidden Cost of Workplace Bullying
In this episode of The HR Room, we uncover the hidden cost of bullying at work - from its devastating impact on mental health and morale to the massive financial and reputational losses organizations often overlook.
Hosts Mary Cullen (Founder, Managing Director – Insight HR) and Dave Corkery (Content & Social Media Lead – Insight HR) are joined by Catherine Jane O’Rourke (Employment Law Senior
Episode 244 - 'Quiet’ Redundancies: Are they on the rise?
In this episode of The HR Room, hosts Mary Cullen (Founder, MD - Insight HR) and Dave Corkery (Content & Social Media Lead - Insight HR) discuss the rising trend of quiet redundancies, particularly in the context of recent layoffs at TikTok. They're joined by Adrian Twomey (Partner - Jacob and Twomey Solicitors) to explore the implications of these practices on employees and the role of trade
Episode 243 - Inside Ireland’s Best Managed Companies: AI Adoption, Rising Costs & The War for Talent
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we’re joined by Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme at Deloitte, to unpack the findings from their latest research in collaboration with UCD Smurfit. We explore how Irish businesses are embracing AI to boost productivity and support employees, how rising costs are shaping strategy, and why talent acquisition and r
Episode 242 - Return to Office Realities: What HR Needs to Know
In this episode, hosts Dave Corkery (Content & Social Media Lead – Insight HR) and Mary Cullen (Founder, Managing Director - Insight HR) are joined by Insight HR’s Commercial Director Liam Barton to discuss the evolving landscape of work in Ireland, particularly focusing on the shift towards remote and hybrid work arrangements post-pandemic. They explore the reasons behind Ireland's high rate
Episode 241 – AI in HR: The Promise, The Peril & The Possibilities
This week, we're talking about AI – in particular, its transformative immediate and potential impact on HR.
Hosts Dave Corkery (Content & Social Media Lead – Insight HR) & Mary Cullen (Founder, Managing Director – Insight HR) are joined by Stephanie Prenderville (Founder – SP Consulting), a HR leader and consultant who has undergone change and transformation projects at Aer Lingus, AIB, D
Episode 240 – Executive Decision: The Value of Coaching for HR Leaders
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave Corkery is joined by Mary Cullen, founder of Insight HR, and Ed Brzychcy, executive coach and leadership consultant, to explore the power of coaching for HR leaders.
From the misconceptions around AI-driven coaching to the transformative impact of real human coaching conversations, this discussion dives into why coaching is a critical tool for HR leade
Episode 239 - Mediation Matters: Navigating workplace conflict with clarity and care
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we explore the crucial role of mediation in resolving workplace conflict. Our Head of Strategy & Growth Barry Casserly hands over the podcast hosting reigns to Dave Corkery, Insight HR’s new Content & Social Media Lead. They’re joined by Joe Thompson, Head of Support Services at Insight HR, an accredited mediator who brings a wealth of experience on
Episode 238 - How to Mitigate the Risks of Workplace Investigations
How to Mitigate the Risks of Workplace Investigations ⚖️
In our latest episode of The HR Room Podcast, we’re joined by Liam Barton, Commercial Director at Insight HR, and workplace investigator Susie Lowe, to explore one of the most complex and high-stakes areas in HR – workplace investigations.
From grievances and disciplinary issues to dignity at work complaints, investigations are becoming more
Episode 237 - Mind the Gap: Unpacking Key Culture Challenges from the CPO Perspective
What’s really holding culture – and performance – back in today’s organisations? 🤔
In our latest episode of The HR Room Podcast, we’re joined by Scott McInnes of Inspiring Change to discuss insights from the brand-new Mind the Gap CPO research report.
Alongside our own Megan Power, Head of Change & Transformation at Insight HR, we explore the five biggest challenges that CPOs say are holding o
Episode 236 - Eoin's 200th Anniversary & Fond Farewell!
We've got big news!
After 200 episodes and 3 and a half years, our beloved host, Eoin , is moving on to pastures new, and will be leaving the HR Room Podcast in fresh new hands!
So this week, in a different and special conversation, Eoin, Mary & Liam take look back at some of the best bits and stories behind the scenes from the hundreds of episodes we've been delighted to be a part of so far.
Episode 235 - Why Employees Don’t Report Harassment – And What Employers Can Do About It
Unfortunately, in the business we’re in, the team here at Insight HR, similar to other HR consultants and employment law experts, are well aware that serious issues like harassment, sexual harassment and bullying, are still happening regularly in Irish workplaces.
Despite training, despite policies, despite reporting channels, and despite the hopefully common sense approach to these things being u
Episode 234 - Liam's Law: The Cloak Of Redundancy
We’re back again with another episode of Liam’s Law, where Liam will be joining us to discuss a high profile case every month, and share his advice, guidance and key takeaways for you as employers and HR teams.
So this week, of course, we’re joined by Liam Barton, Commercial Director here at Insight HR, this time, to discuss a curious case of redundancy!
In this episode we cover...
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Episode 233 - Preparing for a WRC Audit
It’s a HR person’s worst nightmare isn’t it – a WRC inspector knocking in the door, right before you were about to tick all those HR admin jobs off your to-do list, that may now land you in trouble.
But as we know, WRC audits and inspections do serve a real purpose, and whether we like to admit it or not, are necessary, as they lift the standards across the employment world here in Ireland, and ta
Episode 232 - Disciplinaries & Unfair Dismissals
As we’ve seen in the headlines and in our own experiences as HR people, disciplinaries and any subsequent dismissals can be tricky business – and can end up being very very tricky if mistakes are made and a process is found to be unfair.
So how do we handle this tricky area of HR, and do right by both our people and our own sanity?
Well to talk us through this today, we’re delighted to be joined b
Episode 231 - Fertility Matters At Work
As many of us know from the statistics, the research, the news, and even through our own experiences or the experiences of friends and family, fertility issues are commonplace, with different journeys and experiences for everyone going through fertility, pregnancy and everything that goes with it.
Thankfully, we’ve seen huge support and progress in this area in the form of policies, supports, trai
Episode 230 - Liam's Law: Disciplinaries & Dismissals
We’re back again with another episode of Liam’s Law, where Liam joins us to discuss a high profile every month, and share his advice, guidance and key takeaways for you as employers and HR teams.
So this week, of course, we’re joined by Liam Barton, Commercial Director here at Insight HR, to discuss an interesting case concerning disciplinaries, dismissals, and all that goes with them!
In this
Episode 229 - Managing & Mitigating Misconduct
Disciplinaries, investigations, and managing misconduct can be a very tricky process. And when we get deep into the process, albeit necessary, it can be a strain on time and stress for all involved.
And it’s well-covered too – the formal processes behind dealing with misconduct are spoken about in detail by us and other experts alike.
But do we talk about the informal process enough, and how succe
Episode 228 - The Real ROI of HR Support
We get it – budgets are tight. And even when you need something to support you, it can sometimes feel like you can’t articulate the value and the ROI of what you need.
HR support can be no different, but is something that can be so powerful. If you choose the right provider, you can save money, stress, lost time, and so much more.
But how do you make sure it really is worth it, and even simpler, w
Episode 227 - Performance, Probation and Common Pitfalls
Navigating the probation period is one of the most critical - and often misunderstood - phases of the employment journey. Far from being just a formality or an “easy exit” route, probation is a unique opportunity for both employers and employees to set the stage for long-term success.
So to talk to us today about making the most of it, and how to avoid common pitfalls, we’re delighted to be joined
Episode 226 - Picking (And Unpicking) Performance Management Processes
Performance management is such a core piece of the employer employee relationship, and a key skill for leaders, managers and HR people. But it’s also an area of real complications and pitfalls that can cause a lot of trouble for employers and employees alike.
And with all the various ways, processes and approaches to this, it can be hard to find what works for you and your organisation!
Well, to s
Episode 225 - C Suite Special: Employment For Ethnic Minorities
It’s that time again on the HR Room Podcast for another one of our C-suite specials, where we talk to leaders in various industries and organisations, sharing advice and insights for HR teams and employers everywhere.
Bank of Ireland, in partnership with Morgan McKinley, recently published a new report titled "Fostering Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace." The research explores the s
Episode 224 - Liam's Law: Remote Working Compensation Case
We’re back again with another episode in our monthly series combining your two favourite things, Case Law and Liam Barton, where Liam will be joining us to discuss a high profile every month, and share his advice, guidance and key takeaways for you as employers and HR teams.
So for our third episode of Liam’s Law, we’re delighted to be joined, of course, by Liam Barton, Commercial Director here at
Episode 223 - Let's Talk Mental Health & The Workplace
Today we’re diving into the latest findings from the AXA Mind Health Report, with a special focus on what they mean for Irish workplaces. The report, drawing on the experiences of 17,000 participants across 16 countries, reveals that Ireland now ranks at the bottom of the EU for overall mental health-an alarming statistic, with nearly half of Irish adults reporting they are struggling or languishi
Episode 222 - Culture Audits: Analysis AND Action
Workplace culture is spoken about a lot. It’s a constant challenge and priority for organisations and HR teams, and rightfully so, but how can we effectively change, improve and transform workplace culture in a way that actually works?
And how do we stop talking about company culture, and actually making the real long-term changes to improve it for everyone?
Yes, we must analyse, but we must also
Episode 221 - C Suite Special: Commitment To Culture, with David Lane, Ecclesiastical Ireland
It’s that time again on the HR Room Podcast for another one of our C-suite specials, where we talk to leaders in various industries and organisations, sharing advice and insights for HR teams and employers everywhere.
Today we’re delighted to be joined by someone who is a leader here in Ireland for a company that does absolutely fantastic work here in Ireland, work which is intertwined with the w
Episode 220 - Mediation: When, Why & How?
Disagreements, tensions, and misunderstandings are a natural part of working life, but when left unresolved, they can escalate, leading to low morale, lost productivity, and even legal disputes. That’s where mediation comes in - a structured but informal process that helps employees find common ground and rebuild working relationships.
So today, we’ll break down how mediation works, why it’s a gam
Episode 219 - Liam's Law: Misconduct, Mediation & Remedial Measures
We’ve spoken about many employment law cases on the HR Room Podcast over the years which have always been very popular episodes, and we’ve also spoken to our very own Liam Barton a lot over the years, who has also proved very popular.
So we’re back again with another episode in our new monthly series combining your two favourite things, Case Law and Liam Barton, where Liam will be joining us to di
Episode 218 - Tariffs, Restructuring & HR's Response
Trump and his tariffs have taken the headlines in recent days and weeks, and are on the mind of many politicians, business leaders, and everyone in between, as we watch the trade war begin to rage.
But what do these tariffs and times of uncertainty mean for you, the HR person, the business leader, and the person trying to navigate through this period with your people in mind.
Well to talk us throu
Episode 217 - C Suite Special: Inside the WRC with Audrey Cahill, WRC
It's that time again to bring you another C Suite Special, where we talk to C Suite leaders from some of Ireland’s biggest organisations, giving us HR people fantastic insights into how they and their organisations operate and thrive.
And to talk to us today, we’re delighted to be joined by someone who we recently listened to at the CIPD Employment Law Conference, who I knew would be the perfect g
Episode 216 - He said, she said: Assessing credibility in investigations
He said, she said – a nightmare situation for employers and HR teams trying to deal with a complaint of something like bullying, harassment or conflict, when both parties give different versions of events, and you’re left in the middle trying to find a solution.
But thankfully, there is an art to assessing credibility in investigations, and it’s something that expert investigators deal with every
Episode 215 - Let's Talk HR & Occupational Health
Workplace stress, burnout, long term absence, bullying complaints… these are the kinds of things that can keep HR professionals awake at night. But when do these issues cross the line from an HR challenge to a medical concern? And how well do HR and Occupational Health actually work together to navigate this tricky space?
Well to talk to us this week about how to get this right for both you, your
Episode 214 - Liam's Law: Sexual Harassment, Investigations & Disciplinaries
We’ve spoken about many employment law cases on the HR Room Podcast over the years which have always been very popular episodes, and we’ve also spoken to our very own Liam Barton a lot over the years, who has also proven very popular.
So this month, we’re starting a new monthly series combining your two favourite things, Case Law and Liam Barton, where Liam will be joining us to discuss a high pro
Episode 213 - TUPE or not TUPE - that is the question!
Mergers, transfers and everything associated with them can often mark a fresh new journey for a business and a sign of expansion or progress, but they may also stir up some resistance, issues, and complicated challenges to solve.
And one of those complicated challenges that many of us have at the top of our list of “least favourite acronyms” is the big, scary TUPE process.
But is it complicated, i
Episode 212 - The Realities Of Redundancies
Redundancies and tough restructurings are things that no HR person wants to manage. The emotional side of managing the process of people leaving your organisation, coupled with the intricate process and procedures that must be followed, makes it a less than enjoyable task to say the least.
But there are ways that you can go through this process without losing sleep, putting your organisation at
Episode 211 - C Suite Special: People & Purpose with Sinead Gogan, Deloitte
It’s that time again on the HR Room Podcast for another one of our C-suite specials, where we talk to leaders in various industries and organisations, sharing advice and insights for HR teams and employers everywhere.
Today we’re delighted to be joined by someone who is a leader here in Ireland for one of the world’s biggest and most well-known companies, and who has worked her way up the HR rank
Episode 210 - R.I.P DEI?
Although diversity, equity and inclusion has faced it’s fair share of resistance over the years, the latest moves by the US and government and in turn, Meta, one of the world’s biggest companies, brings a whole new level of attack on corporate DEI work.
But is all of the great work that continues to be done, really under threat? Is it a case of saying RIP to DEI, or is it simply just another speed
Episode 209 - Change Management: Communicating Change
“Organisation’s don’t change, people do” – a phrase mentioned in our recent chat we had with today’s guest, as we thrashed out what we’d be speaking about on this very episode. And it’s a phrase that outlines how to make successful change happen, and just how important it is to have your people as your focus.
And what do your people need most during a change process? Not to give away too much of t
Episode 208 - Let's Talk Change Management
Change management may not always involve the professionals. And arguably understandably too, as maybe moving to a new tech tool doesn’t require an expert? Right?
Well, when it comes to making successful and sustainable change, people should be at the centre of the strategy. And with people needing support, communication, and guidance through culture change, getting HR experts involved, may be your
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