The HR Room Podcast

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 organisational culture back today: 1️⃣ Leadership Skill & Will – why culture must be led from the very top. 2️⃣ The Manager Factor – how frontline managers make or break culture. 3️⃣ Skills for Today & Tomorrow – building growth and learning into the fabric of work. 4️⃣ Accountability for Values – moving beyond posters on the wall to everyday behaviours. 5️⃣ Disconnection – tackling the cultural impact of hybrid, remote, and multigenerational teams. 🎙️ Together, Scott and Megan unpack what these findings mean for HR leaders, managers, and business owners – and share practical steps to help close the gaps. This isn’t just about HR initiatives – it’s about building sustainable, high-performing cultures where people thrive and businesses grow. Download the report here - https://www.inspiringchange.ie/mindthegap

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.   In this episode we cover... 01:57 The Journey of the HR Room Podcast 11:37 Memorable Guests and Highlights 20:01 Impactful Conversations and Community Building 28:10 The Role of HR in Society 36:22 A Heartfelt Goodbye and Future Aspirations   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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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 unacceptable, these things are still happening. So how can we build a culture that prevents this, in as much as is possible, from happening? And how important is this workplace culture element in tackling the problem? Well that’s exactly what we’re speaking about today, as we’re delighted to be joined by our very own Susie Lowe, Workplace Investigator here at Insight HR.   In this episode we cover... 12:14 The Importance of Psychological Safety in the Workplace 23:43 Training and Education: Building a Culture of Awareness 37:20 The Consequences of Inaction: Real-Life Impacts of Poor Management 38:30 Conclusion and Call to Action   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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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... 00:44 Details of the case 02:39 Understanding Redundancy and Its Implications 05:34 The Temptation of Sham Redundancies 08:31 Guidance on Genuine Redundancy Processes 14:25 Factors Influencing Redundancy Decisions 20:47 The Importance of Planning and Communication   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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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 tackle bad employment practices. And of course, for many of you listening, WRC audits won’t turn your business upside down, and at the very worst, give you a slightly more updated and urgent to-do list. Today, we’re discussing how to prepare a WRC Audit with our very own Joe Thompson, Head of HR Services here at Insight HR   In this episode we cover... 05:36 Common Triggers for WRC Audits 10:24 Preparing for a WRC Inspection 12:46 The Inspection Process Explained 15:37 Consequences of Non-Compliance 27:04 Proactive Measures for Compliance   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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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 by our very own Joe Thompson, Head of HR Services here at Insight HR.   In this episode we cover... 05:22 Key Elements of Fairness and Respect 10:50 Identifying Warning Signs of Unfair Processes 17:41 The Importance of Training and Support for Managers 26:15 The Consequences of Poor Disciplinary Handling   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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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, training etc. But unfortunately, it’s still a topic that many find it hard to speak about, effectively support people through it, or even fully understand it. So today we’re delighted to be joined by someone who can give us insights into all of the above, in a conversation I know is going to be really enjoyable and important – we’re joined today by Dr Ciara O’ Keeffe, Consultant at Waterstone Clinic.   In this episode we cover... 02:21 Common Fertility-Related Challenges Employees Face 05:18 Navigating Difficult Conversations: HR's Role 09:40 Best Practices for Supporting Employees 15:47 Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture 23:36 The Importance of Education and Awareness   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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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 we cover... 00:48 Details of the Unfair Dismissal Case 04:25 Investigation and Disciplinary Process 10:02 The Importance of Fair Procedures 14:39 Understanding Gross Misconduct 19:06 Key Takeaways for Employers and HR Teams   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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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 successful this can be? And how we effectively mitigate these types of incidents going forward? Well that’s exactly what we’re speaking about today, as we’re delighted to be joined by our very own Susie Lowe, Workplace Investigator here at Insight HR.   In this episode we cover... 04:47 When Informal Processes Are Not Enough 09:30 The Role of Education and Training in Misconduct 16:15 Tailoring Training for Effective Conflict Resolution 20:42 Proactive and Reactive Strategies for Managing Misconduct   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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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, why should you bother with it at all? Well to tell us, we’re delighted to be joined by our very own Barry Casserly, Head of Strategy & Growth here at Insight HR.   In this episode we cover... 01:59 Risks of Not Having HR Support 06:57 Building Strong HR Relationships 09:42 Preventing Issues Before They Arise 17:56 Training and Cultural Development 23:52 Compliance and Documentation 29:54 Understanding Limitations and Seeking Help   P.S Check out our latest client success story, showcasing how HR support transformed a HRBP's stress into success!    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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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 by Joe Thompson, Head of HR Services here at Insight HR.   In this episode we cover... 04:14 Distinguishing Conduct from Performance Issues 07:27 Common Pitfalls in Probation Management 12:28 The Importance of Probation Policies 15:46 Handling Serious Conduct Issues 19:59 Setting Up for Long-Term Success 26:05 The Role of Communication in Probation   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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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 speak to us about this, we’re delighted to be joined by Megan Power, Head of Change & Transformation here at Insight HR.     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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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 specific barriers ethnic minority groups face in accessing employment and progressing in the Irish labour market, with some data points and practical recommendations for employers. It’s based on the experiences of over 2,700 people across 10 ethnic minority groups. And against the backdrop of current issues in wider society, and current issues faced by organisations and employees, this survey is one that simply must be looked at by HR teams and employers everywhere.  And to talk us through it, we’re delighted to be joined again by Matt Elliott, Chief People Officer at Bank Of Ireland.    In this episode we cover... 02:26 The Importance of Ethnic Diversity in the Workplace 05:43 Barriers Faced by Ethnic Minorities in Employment 09:27 The Role of Organisations in Promoting Inclusion 14:14 Bank of Ireland's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 20:01 Practical Recommendations for Employers 29:46 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts   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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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 Insight HR.   In this episode we cover... 01:33 The Salesforce Case Overview 06:08 Lessons Learned for Employers 08:16 WRC's Role in Remote Work Cases 10:32 The Balance of Power in Remote Work Requests 12:59 Fairness in Remote Work Policies 14:45 Cynicism Towards Remote Work Denials 20:57 Flexibility in the Workplace   News coverage of the case 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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team

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 languishing. For HR managers and organisational leaders, the findings are particularly relevant too – so let’s explore them! To take us through the findings and what this all means for you and your organisation, we’re delighted to be joined by Nicole Paulie, Chartered Psychologist and Clinical Lead at laya healthcare’s 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme.    In this episode we cover... 00:00 Understanding the AXA Mind Health Report 03:46 The Gap Between Employer Perception and Employee Reality 07:50 Impact of Mental Health on Workplace Performance 15:10 Trends in Mental Health and Future Outlook 19:54 Practical Steps for Organisations to Support Mental Health   Explore the findings and the full report at www.layahealthcare.ie/mind-health/   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   HR support when you need it most.  The Insight HR Team