The HR Room Podcast

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 2026. From updated salary thresholds to graduate hiring opportunities and strengthened compliance obligations, Alice provides clear, practical guidance to help HR professionals confidently manage international recruitment. Whether you’re hiring from abroad, retaining international graduates, or reviewing your internal compliance processes, this episode offers essential insights for workforce planning in a changing regulatory landscape. Guest Alice Heron – Manager, Fragomen Topics include: • The difference between permission to work and permission to reside • What HR needs to know about right-to-work checks • Understanding Critical Skills, General, and Intra-Company Transfer permits • The new Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) thresholds and what they mean for 2026 • Changes under the Employment Permits Act 2024 • The Eligible and Ineligible Occupations Lists – and why they matter • Family reunification rules and dependent considerations • Visa timelines and workforce planning • Hiring and retaining international graduates in Ireland • Stamp 1G and Stamp 2 permissions explained • Common compliance pitfalls HR teams should avoid • Why immigration should be part of long-term workforce strategy — not an afterthought Key Takeaways for HR Leaders • Permission to work and permission to reside are separate systems — always verify both. • The new MAR thresholds (increasing through to 2030) mean salary planning must align with immigration requirements. • Immigration compliance is a lifecycle process — not a “file it and forget it” task. • Expiry date tracking for permits and IRP cards is critical to avoid operational disruption. • Graduate hiring presents a major opportunity, but early permit planning is essential. • Family considerations (including spouse work rights and dependent rules) significantly impact talent attraction and retention. • Promotions, salary changes, and role updates must be formally notified to the Department. • Strong record-keeping is essential in the event of a Workplace Relations Commission audit. • Employers who can clearly communicate long-term pathways (e.g., Stamp 4 eligibility) gain a competitive advantage in attracting global talent. Resources Eligibility and requirements for an employent permit Critical Skills Occupations List Ineligible List of Occupations for employment permits Types of Employment Permits Get in Touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at connect with him on LinkedIn. About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review. We love to hear your feedback, we take requests, and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. Immediate HR support 👉 056 770 1060 or info@insighthr.ie

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 organisations in the world - Manchester United - through an HR lens. Drawing on recent media coverage and their own professional experience, the team explore whether the challenges at Manchester United reflect the hallmarks of a toxic workplace culture, and what HR professionals can learn from it. Together, they unpack leadership behaviour, culture drift, psychological safety, employer brand damage, and the risks of reactive change - offering practical advice for HR leaders navigating similar issues in their own organisations. Guests • Joe Thompson – Head of HR Services, Insight HR Topics include: What defines a toxic workplace culture? Leadership behaviour and its ripple effect across an organisation High performer favouritism and double standards The impact of constant leadership turnover Psychological safety – what it looks like (and what it doesn’t) Employer brand damage and recruitment risks Why “quick fixes” and constant restructuring can make things worse The hidden cost of blame culture and fear-based management The role of HR in diagnosing culture challenges Practical steps to rebuild trust and create a healthier workplace Key Takeaways for HR Leaders Toxic cultures rarely start with dramatic events — they begin with small tolerated behaviours that become normalised. Culture change takes years, not months — and must be consistent. Values must be lived, not laminated. Leadership alignment between words and actions is critical. HR’s role is to diagnose, listen, structure feedback, and guide meaningful change — not simply label a workplace “toxic.” If any of the warning signs discussed resonate with your organisation, it may be time to step back, assess honestly, and put a structured plan in place. References How Manchester Utd became a textbook example of a toxic workplace - RTÉ Get in Touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn.   About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review. We love to hear your feedback, we take requests, and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. Immediate HR support 👉 056 770 1060 or info@insighthr.ie

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, Dave and Mary are joined by globally recognised researcher and DEI expert Lori Mackenzie, co-founder of the Stanford VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab, to explore how gender stereotypes persist in today’s workforce — and why they matter for HR leaders. Drawing on international research, real workplace examples and lived experience, the conversation examines how stereotypes show up in recruitment, promotion, performance assessment and leadership language. They discuss why women can also internalise and reinforce these beliefs, the impact of motherhood penalties, and how seemingly neutral words can carry gendered assumptions. They also explore the growing role of AI in HR decision-making - both the risks of embedding existing bias at scale, and the opportunity to use data and pattern recognition to challenge inequity.  Guest Lori Mackenzie – Co-Founder, Stanford VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab Topics include: Why gender stereotypes remain deeply embedded in modern workplaces Findings from the European Institute for Gender Equality on attitudes to pay and work value How stereotypes influence hiring, promotion and reward decisions Why women can also internalise and reinforce gender bias The “motherhood penalty” and its impact on career progression How language reinforces narrow definitions of leadership and success Gendered descriptors such as “bossy”, “shrill” and “strategic” — and why they matter Where bias shows up across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to development The risks of relying on “gut instinct” in hiring and promotion decisions AI in HR: amplifying bias versus using technology to identify patterns and blind spots Practical tools to block bias, including scorecards, rubrics and clearer success criteria The role of transparency, awareness and self-reflection in driving real change Useful Links & Resources European Institute for Gender Equality – Gender Equality Index Stanford VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab LinkedIn page Lori's website Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn. For confidential HR support, contact info@insighthr.ie 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by The HR Room, produced by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland and beyond about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review.

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 and The Work Well Institute, to explore how wellbeing champions can bring strategy to life on the ground. Together, they unpack what a wellbeing champion really is (and what they’re not), why peer-led influence is so powerful, and how champion networks help bridge the gap between wellbeing policy and everyday employee experience. The conversation covers how to select, train and support champions, the importance of role clarity and leadership backing, and how to avoid common pitfalls such as overload, lack of structure or tokenism. Drawing on practical examples from organisations across Ireland, including Irish Life and ESB, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance for HR professionals and leaders who want to embed wellbeing in a sustainable, credible and inclusive way - not just as an initiative, but as part of organisational culture. Guests Brian Crooke – Founder, Workplace Wellbeing Ireland & the Work Well Institute Topics include: What wellbeing champions are, and how they differ from mental health first aiders Why peer influence is critical to embedding wellbeing Selecting champions through voluntary, inclusive processes The importance of role clarity, expectations and boundaries Training champions to take ownership and shape their role Supporting champions without overwhelming them Governance, structure and leadership sponsorship of champion networks Measuring impact without turning wellbeing into a tick-box exercise Common mistakes organisations make, and how to avoid them What “good” looks like when a champion network is working well Useful Links & Resources Workplace Wellbeing Ireland – Wellbeing Champion Programmes Workwell Institute – Postgraduate Certificate in Workplace Wellness Insight HR – Workplace Wellbeing Consulting & Support Wellness Works Live Webinar – Designing Your Wellbeing Strategy (February 17) Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn. If today’s episode has you thinking about introducing or strengthening a wellbeing champion network in your organisation, you can arrange a confidential consultation with Laura Barry by emailing info@insighthr.ie. About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review. We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 📧 info@insighthr.ie

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 Bowman, Head of Investigations at Insight HR, to examine a recent high-profile UK case involving HarperCollins and allegations made against author David Walliams. Using what has been publicly reported about the case, they whether the investigation process itself may have been flawed and what HR leaders can learn when managing allegations involving contractors, public figures and non-employees. They unpack the principles of natural justice, the importance of fair procedures, and why speed, secrecy or outcome-driven approaches can expose organisations to legal challenge, reputational damage and loss of trust. The discussion offers practical guidance for HR professionals navigating complex investigations under intense pressure. Guest Rebecca Bowman – Head of Investigations, Insight HR   Topics include: Why workplace investigations must be handled with care — especially in high-profile cases The HarperCollins / David Walliams case and what has been publicly reported Investigating allegations involving contractors, consultants and external parties Employers’ duty of care when employees interact with non-employees What “natural justice” and fair procedures mean in practice Why the right to respond is fundamental to any defensible investigation The risks of outcome-driven or rushed investigations Reputational damage caused by flawed investigation processes Protecting employee wellbeing while ensuring procedural fairness When to involve external investigators in complex or sensitive cases Key non-negotiables for a fair, impartial and robust investigation   Useful Links & Resources Media coverage of the HarperCollins / David Walliams investigation Workplace Investigation Services - Insight HR Workplace Investigations Guide - Insight HR   Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn. For confidential HR support, contact info@insighthr.ie 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges.   About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by The HR Room Podcast, produced by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland and beyond about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review.

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 workplace wellbeing. Together, they discuss why wellbeing cannot sit with HR alone, the dangers of box‑ticking, and how leadership behaviour, culture and work design shape the real employee experience. They examine the ethical, legal and business risks of getting wellbeing wrong, the growing impact of mental health claims, and the modern challenges leaders now face – from hybrid work and loneliness to neurodiversity and inclusion. From practical guidance on influencing senior leaders to the importance of empathy, training and role‑modelling healthy behaviours, this episode offers clear insights for HR professionals and leaders who want to move beyond surface‑level initiatives and build workplaces where people can truly thrive. Guests • Laura Barry – Head of People Development, Insight HR • Stacey Machesney – Head of Health & Wellbeing, Irish Life Topics include: • Why leadership ownership is essential for effective workplace wellbeing • The risks of leaving wellbeing with HR alone • Box‑ticking and the limits of one‑off initiatives • Leadership behaviour, culture and work design as drivers of wellbeing • Ethical and legal responsibilities around psychological health and safety • The business cost of poor mental health, burnout and presenteeism • Equipping leaders with the skills and confidence to support their teams • Neurodiversity, inclusion and the future of workplace supports • Hybrid work, loneliness and rebuilding social connection at work • How HR can build a strong business case for wellbeing with senior leaders Resources and Links - Wellness Works Webinar: Designing a Wellbeing Programme That Works - Irish Life's Health of the Nation Report 2025 Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn. If today’s episode has you thinking about leadership and wellbeing in your organisation – whether you’re starting from scratch or strengthening an existing approach – you can arrange a confidential consultation with Laura Barry by emailing info@insighthr.ie. About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review. We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 📧 info@insighthr.ie

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 & Twomey Solicitors, to unpack what happens when redundancies go wrong. Using a recent high-profile Irish case as a starting point, they explore the legal obligations, human realities and organisational risks involved in collective redundancies. Together, they discuss why empathy matters as much as compliance, how consultation processes shape outcomes, and what HR leaders and managers can do to avoid the worst-case scenario - including strike action, reputational harm and unfair dismissal claims. Guest • Adrian Twomey –Partner, Jacob & Twomey Solicitors Topics include: • Why redundancies are one of the toughest moments for any organisation • What went wrong in the recent Covalen case and what HR leaders can learn from it • Statutory vs enhanced redundancy payments - expectations and realities • What a “good” consultation process really looks like in practice • The legal requirements under collective redundancy legislation • Common risks: unfair dismissal, discrimination claims and reputational damage • The impact of redundancies on morale, trust and organisational culture • Managing anger, fear and resistance during consultation • Supporting managers who must deliver difficult messages • Why empathy, transparency and professionalism are critical to outcomes • How organisations can recover their employer brand after redundancies Useful Links & Resources • Irish Times article on the Covalen redundancy case • Protection of Employment Act 1977 – Collective Redundancies • Insight HR – Redundancy & Restructuring Services Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn. Head here for more info on our confidential Redundancy and Restructuring Services.  For confidential HR support, contact info@insighthr.ie 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review.

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 is joined by Laura Barry, Head of People Development at Insight HR, to explore what effective workplace wellbeing really looks like, and why so many organisations struggle to get it right. Together, they unpack the difference between reactive wellbeing supports and preventative, strategic approaches. They discuss why culture and work design matter more than one-off initiatives, the risks of treating wellbeing as a “nice to have”, and how organisations can build sustainable systems that support people to thrive - not just cope. From the impact of hybrid work and social disconnection to the growing importance of employer brand and psychological safety, this episode sets the foundation for leaders and HR professionals who want to move beyond surface-level wellbeing and embed it at the core of how their organisations operate. Guests Laura Barry – Head of People Development, Insight HR   Topics include: • Why “workplace wellbeing” is often misunderstood - and what it really means • The limits of perks, programmes and one-off initiatives • The difference between reactive and preventative wellbeing approaches • The “triangle of support” model for sustainable workplace wellbeing • Why culture, leadership behaviour and work design matter most • The risks of getting wellbeing wrong - burnout, disengagement and talent loss • Employer brand, reputation and the growing importance of wellbeing in recruitment • The WHO Healthy Workplace Model as a practical framework for HR teams • Hybrid work, isolation and the rise of emotional fatigue in modern workplaces • What good looks like: embedding wellbeing into strategy, not just activities • Questions HR leaders should be asking about the real employee experience   Useful Links & Resources • World Health Organization – Healthy Workplace Framework • Workplace Wellbeing Ireland   Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn. If today’s episode has you thinking about how wellbeing is working in your organisation - whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing programme - you can arrange a confidential consultation with Laura Barry by emailing info@insighthr.ie.   About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review. We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 📧 info@insighthr.ie

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 leadership development, coaching and capability-building for the future. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Liam Barton, (Commercial Director – Insight HR), to unpack the key findings from Insight HR’s brand new report, Ireland’s HR Landscape 2026. They explore what’s really keeping HR leaders awake at night and where the biggest opportunities lie in the year ahead. They discuss why talent attraction and retention remains the number one challenge across every sector, how employee engagement and culture are evolving in a post-pandemic workplace, and why AI, hybrid working and skills-based workforce planning are set to reshape HR practice in Ireland. Guests • Mary Cullen – Founder & Managing Director, Insight HR • Liam Barton – Commercial Director, Insight HR Topics include: • The biggest HR challenges facing Irish businesses in 2026 — and why talent attraction and retention tops the list • How recruitment and retention pressures differ by company size, sector and HR team structure • Why not-for-profits and large enterprises feel the talent squeeze most acutely • The growing challenge of employee engagement, culture change and rising workplace expectations • Cost pressures, tightening budgets and their impact on HR priorities • Confidence levels across HR teams - why most feel cautiously optimistic about 2026 • How prepared Irish organisations really are for the EU Pay Transparency Directive • Where businesses plan to invest in learning and development -from management training to coaching and mentoring • The rise of skills-based workforce planning and internal mobility models • AI in HR: opportunities, risks and the growing debate around recruitment technology • The ongoing tension between return-to-office policies and remote working expectations • Key predictions for HR in 2026 — from pay transparency to auto-enrolment and workforce diversity Useful Links & Resources • Ireland’s HR Landscape 2026 – Insight HR Report    Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery or connect with him on LinkedIn. For confidential HR support, contact info@insighthr.ie   About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review. We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 📧 info@insighthr.ie

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 number and a link below. The Ten Key HR Insights of 2025 Don’t Be Afraid Of The WRC – Ep 217 – C Suite Special: Inside the WRC with Audrey Cahill of the WRC All Paths Lead Back to Culture - Ep 222 – Culture Audits: Analysis AND Action Change Doesn’t Happen Without Communication - Ep 208 – Let’s Talk Change Management Give Performance Reviews The Proper Time And Training They Require - Ep 227 – Performance, Probation and Common Pitfalls Annual Checkins Don’t Cut It In An Environment Of Constant Change - Ep 248 – Fit for Purpose? Why Everyone Dreads Performance Reviews When Assessing Credibility In Investigations, Start With Plausibility And Consistency - Ep 216 – He said, she said: Assessing credibility in investigations Not Enough Companies Are Prepared For The EU Pay Transparency Directive - Ep 247 – Closing the Gap: Pay Transparency & Gender Pay Gap Reporting Learn From The Best, Ignore The Rest - Ep 243 – Inside Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Develop Critical Thinking Skills In Your Organisation - Ep 246 – Fake Facts, Real Consequences: The AI Authority Problem HR Are In The Best Position To Lead On AI In An Organisation - Ep 241 - AI in HR: The Promise, The Peril and The Possibilities Happy Christmas to all our listeners and we'll see you in 2026!

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 Mary are joined by Dr. Mark Rowe, family physician, lifestyle medicine expert and wellbeing thought leader, to explore what real, sustainable wellbeing looks like in today’s workplace. Together, they unpack why wellbeing must go beyond yoga classes and fruit bowls, how leadership behaviour and management practices directly shape organisational health, and why wellbeing should be treated as a strategic driver of performance, productivity and retention - not an add-on. Guest Dr. Mark Rowe – Medical Doctor, Author, Wellbeing Speaker & Expert in Lifestyle Medicine Topics include: Why employee wellbeing is a business imperative, not a “nice to have” The difference between wellness initiatives and true organisational wellbeing Wellbeing as the foundation for sustainable performance and productivity The “three Ps” of wellbeing: productivity, performance and people How toxic cultures and poor management damage mental and physical health Why HR leaders struggle to move wellbeing from intention to action Building a business case for wellbeing that resonates with senior leadership Organisational wellbeing as an ecosystem - not a standalone initiative Practical first steps HR leaders can take to start meaningful change Useful Links & Resources www.drmarkrowe.com – Wellbeing Programmes & Resources Things Your Future Self Will Thank You For – Dr. Mark Rowe Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn. For confidential HR support, contact info@insighthr.ie About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review. We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 📧 info@insighthr.ie

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 issue, but a missed opportunity for Irish organisations. In this episode, Dave and Mary are joined by Fiona Hurley, CEO of NASC, to discuss the findings of NASC’s Breaking Barriers report, which captures the lived experiences of migrant women navigating the Irish labour market. Together, they explore why highly skilled migrant women — including those with STEM, healthcare and professional qualifications — are being filtered out of recruitment processes, how employer misunderstanding of immigration stamps limits opportunity, and what HR leaders can do practically to remove bias and widen their talent pool. Guest Fiona Hurley – CEO, NASC (Migrant & Refugee Rights Charity) Topics include: Key findings from Breaking Barriers: Challenges in Employment Access for Migrant Women • Childcare, transport and structural barriers that disproportionately impact migrant women • Accent bias, language assumptions and discrimination in recruitment • Why overseas qualifications and experience are routinely undervalued • The “invisible talent pool” of highly skilled migrant women in Ireland • Immigration stamps explained: Stamp 1G, Stamp 1, Stamp 4 and common employer misconceptions • Why confusion around work permissions leads to exclusion — even when candidates have full work rights • How screening tools, interview panels and unconscious bias filter candidates out early • Internships, mentoring and work shadowing as practical entry points • Case studies of employers getting it right through partnership and flexibility • What HR professionals can do now to design fairer, more inclusive recruitment systems Useful Links & Resources Breaking Barriers: Challenges in Employment Access for Migrant Women – NASC Report • NASC contact: info@nascireland.org Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at dcorkery@insighthr.ie. For confidential HR support, contact info@insighthr.ie About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review. We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 📧 info@insighthr.ie  

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 at Jacob & Twomey Solicitors, to unpack the real risks, legal responsibilities, and unexpected behaviours that regularly turn a festive night out into a January HR nightmare. Together, they explore what employers are actually liable for, whether pre-party reminder emails help, why managers play a pivotal role, and if Christmas parties are – controversially -past their sell-by date entirely. Guests Adrian Twomey – Employment Law Expert & Partner, Jacob & Twomey Solicitors Topics include: Employer Liability: Are Christmas parties an extension of the workplace? Real Case Law Examples – harassment, injuries & blurred boundaries Alcohol, Drugs & Lowered Inhibitions: The behaviour shift HR must prepare for Why pre-party “behave yourselves” emails may backfire Managing Complaints: What to do first thing Monday morning The role of managers in preventing party-night disasters Social Media, Privacy & Reputation Risks Should Christmas Parties Be Cancelled Altogether? Alternatives to the traditional boozy night out Key actions HR should take now to protect employees and the organisation Survey: Ireland’s HR Landscape 2026 Ireland’s HR Landscape 2026 Survey – Share your experience, benchmark against peers, and get early access to the final report. As a thank you, you’ll also be entered into a draw for a €150 One4All Digital Gift Card. Take the survey here Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have any suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn. About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review. We love to hear your feedback, we take requests, and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. Immediate HR support 👉 056 770 1060 or info@insighthr.ie

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 unpack the challenges that defined the early years of the podcast, the issues dominating today’s workplace, and the forces that will shape HR’s future. Guests Mary Cullen – Founder & Managing Director, Insight HR Liam Barton – Commercial Director, Insight HR Topics include: Looking Back: HR in 2021 HR Challenges That Have Evolved - and Those That Haven’t The Rise of Workplace Conflict DEI, Culture & Behaviour Legislation & Compliance: What’s Reshaping HR in Ireland Looking Ahead: HR in the Next 250 Episodes Survey: Ireland’s HR Landscape 2026 Ireland’s HR Landscape 2026 Survey – Have your say, benchmark against your peers, and get early access to our report. As a thank you, we’ll also enter you into a prize draw for a €150 One4All Digital Gift Card. Take the survey here Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have any suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn. About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we talk to HR leaders, experts, and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you’re enjoying the episodes, please share them with colleagues or friends, and leave us a review. We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re always here to help with your HR challenges.  Immediate HR support 👉 056 770 1060 or info@insighthr.ie  

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 prepare for 2030 and beyond. Dave is joined by Barney Ely, Senior Managing Director at Hays Ireland & Northern Ireland, and John Clere, founder of Unmake, to explore Ireland’s talent landscape - from labour market strengths and skills gaps to the critical human capabilities that will define the future of work. Together, they break down where Ireland is performing well, where improvement is needed, and how organisations can build adaptable, future-ready teams in a world being reshaped by AI. Guests Barney Ely – Senior Managing Director, Hays Ireland & Northern Ireland John Cleere – Founder, Unmake Topics include: Ireland’s Ranking in the Hays Global Talent Tracker Ireland’s Strengths: Innovation, STEM Capability & Workforce Participation The Skills That Will Matter Most by 2030 Resilience, Adaptability & Creative Thinking as “Survival Skills” How AI Is Reshaping Workforce Planning How HR Can Build Cultures of Curiosity, Collaboration & Continuous Learning The Importance of Future Thinking, Tacit Knowledge & Communities of Practice Retention in 2025: Why It’s More About the Mind Than the Wallet Recruitment Strategy: How to Work Better with Your Hiring Partners Resources: Hays Global Talent Tracker – full interactive report & PDF World Economic Forum – Future of Jobs 2030 Living Knowledge Workshops by Unmake Book: Mastering Uncertainty by Matt Watkinson Book: A New Way to Think by Roger Martin Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have any suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn. About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is a series from Insight HR, where we talk to business leaders and HR professionals from around Ireland about the topics that matter most to people leaders today. If you’re enjoying the episodes, please share them with colleagues and friends — and leave us a review! We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re also here to help with any HR challenges you may have. Requests, feedback and guest suggestions 👉 HR Room Podcast Requests Immediate support on your HR challenge 👉 056 770 1060 or info@insighthr.ie

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 managers and employees really feel after going through them? In this episode, Dave and Mary are joined by Crystel Robbins Rynne, Chief Operating Officer at HR Locker, to unpack what’s wrong with the old performance review model - and what needs to change. Together, they explore how to turn reviews from a once-a-year box-ticking exercise into a continuous, constructive process that supports both managers and employees.   Guests Crystel Robbins Rynne – Chief Operating Officer, HRLocker   Topics include Why Traditional Performance Reviews Aren’t Working The Shift from Annual Appraisals to Continuous Feedback How to Equip Managers with Real People-Management Skills Separating Pay Conversations from Performance Conversations How Technology Can Support (but Not Replace) Human Interaction Creating a Culture of Regular Check-Ins and Coaching The Future of Performance Management in the Age of AI   References HR Locker – HR Software for People-Centric Organisations Insight HR Training & Development – Soft Skills & Manager Training   Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have any suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn.   About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is a series from Insight HR, where we talk to business leaders and HR professionals from around Ireland about the topics that matter most to people leaders today. If you’re enjoying the episodes, please share them with colleagues and friends — and leave us a review! We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re also here to help with any HR challenges you may have. Requests, feedback and guest suggestions 👉 HR Room Podcast Requests Immediate support on your HR challenge 👉 056 770 1060 or info@insighthr.ie      

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 in Ireland. Together, they discuss the state of play for women in leadership, what pay transparency really means for employers, and how culture and psychological safety play critical roles in achieving real equality.   Guests: Anita Whyte Moran – Founder & Host of The Femcast   Topics include: Gender Pay Gap Reporting in 2025 – What Employers Need to Know The Upcoming EU Pay Transparency Directive (2026) The Changing Landscape of Gender Equality in Irish Workplaces Visibility, Support & Psychological Safety for Women at Work Moving Beyond Box-Ticking: Creating Meaningful DEI Change The Role of HR in Influencing Gender Equity from Within Fertility, Family, and the Hidden Barriers to Progression How Equal Parental Leave Could Drive True Equality Generational Shifts and the Future of Workplace Culture   References CSO Gender Balance in Business Survey 2025 The Femcast – Hosted by Anita Whyte Moran The HR Room Webinar: Bullying at Work – How to Take Effective Action   Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have any suggestions on what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, then do reach out to Dave at dcorkery@insightr.ie or on LinkedIn here.   About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is a series from Insight HR where we talk to business leaders from around Ireland and share advice what's important to you as a HR professional, an employer or people leader.  If you are enjoying these episodes, do please feel free to share them with colleagues, friends and family. And even better, if you can leave us a review, we’d really appreciate it! We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re also here to help with any HR challenges you may have! Requests, feedback and guest suggestions 👉 HR Room Podcast Requests Immediate support on your HR challenge 👉 0567701060 or info@insighthr.ie

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, we unpack what happens when “fake facts” reach real-world settings like boardrooms, and HR departments.   Guests: Adrian Twomey, a Partner at Jacob and Twomey Solicitors LLP and employment law specialist Edmund Sutcliffe, Prinicpal at considrd consulting   Topics include: The Rise of AI Hallucinations in Legal Submissions Understanding AI Authority and Misinformation The Importance of Critical Thinking in AI Usage Human Oversight in AI Applications The Future of AI in Legal Practices Bias and Trust in AI Systems The Role of Doubt in Decision Making Critical Thinking in Workplace Investigations AI's Impact on HR Practices Consequences of AI in Legal Proceedings The Human Element in AI Decisions Key Takeaways for AI in HR   References “Ryanair flight attendant used alleged AI-generated legal papers in €170,000 discrimination claim, WRC hears” – The Irish Times The HR Room – Ep 241 – AI in HR: The Promise, The Peril & The Possibilities AI Critical Thinking for Smarter AI Engagement – A training course that Edmund has developed   Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have any suggestions on what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, then do reach out to Dave at dcorkery@insightr.ie or on LinkedIn here.   About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is a series from Insight HR where we talk to business leaders from around Ireland and share advice what's important to you as a HR professional, an employer or people leader.  If you are enjoying these episodes, do please feel free to share them with colleagues, friends and family. And even better, if you can leave us a review, we’d really appreciate it! We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re also here to help with any HR challenges you may have! Requests, feedback and guest suggestions 👉 HR Room Podcast Requests Immediate support on your HR challenge 👉 0567701060 or info@insighthr.ie

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 Associate at Hayes Solicitors) We unpack how bullying festers in modern workplaces, why policies often fail to stop it, and what leaders can do to create truly safe and respectful environments. We explore its legal definitions, the significant financial and invisible costs to businesses, and the importance of having effective policies and training in place to prevent bullying. Webinar: Bullying at Work – How to Take Effective Action In our October HR Room webinar, Dave will be joined by Joe Thompson (Head of HR Services – Insight HR) and Dr. Jen Fraser, PhD (Author of The Bullied Brain). You’ll hear practical strategies for identifying, preventing and responding to bullying in the workplace – from understanding legal responsibilities, to how to implement clear policies and foster a culture of respect. Taking place at 11.15am on Wednesday October 29th. Register here, don’t miss your spot!   Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have any suggestions on what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, then do reach out to Dave at dcorkery@insightr.ie or on LinkedIn here.   About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is a series from Insight HR where we talk to business leaders from around Ireland and share advice what's important to you as a HR professional, an employer or people leader.  If you are enjoying these episodes, do please feel free to share them with colleagues, friends and family. And even better, if you can leave us a review, we’d really appreciate it! We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re also here to help with any HR challenges you may have! Requests, feedback and guest suggestions 👉 HR Room Podcast Requests Immediate support on your HR challenge 👉 0567701060 or info@insighthr.ie What our clients say 👉 Insight HR & SIKA Ireland Limited

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 unions in the redundancy process. The conversation also dives into the legal considerations surrounding redundancies, the impact of AI on employment, and the importance of clear communication and planning in managing workforce changes.  Topics covered include:  Employers seeking to minimize the negative impact of layoffs. The redundancy process being challenging for both management and employees. Timing is crucial when implementing redundancies. AI replacing certain job roles. Legislation regarding redundancies being often outdated. Trade unions playing a diminishing role in redundancy processes. Clear planning and communication being essential in redundancy situations. The Journal article that we reference on the accusations of TikTok making 'quiet' redundancies' can be found here.    Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have any suggestions on what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, then do reach out to Dave at dcorkery@insightr.ie or on LinkedIn here.   About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is a series from Insight HR where we talk to business leaders from around Ireland and share advice what's important to you as a HR professional, an employer or people leader.  If you are enjoying these episodes, do please feel free to share them with colleagues, friends and family. And even better, if you can leave us a review, we’d really appreciate it! We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re also here to help with any HR challenges you may have! Requests, feedback and guest suggestions 👉 HR Room Podcast Requests Immediate support on your HR challenge 👉 0567701060 or info@insighthr.ie What our clients say 👉 Insight HR & SIKA Ireland Limited