The HR Room Podcast is the podcast series from Insight HR where we talk to business leaders from around Ireland and share their advice on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that’s right for your business.For show notes and more information, visit www.InsightHR.ie/Podcast
Episodes
41 minutes ago
41 minutes ago
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
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
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
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
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
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
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 act. And how do we do this? Well, with a full and intentional Culture Audit. But what is a culture audit, what should it be, and how do we really make it work?
Well, to answer these questions and more, we’re delighted to be joined by Megan Power, Head of Change & Transformation here at Insight HR.
In this episode we cover...
00:00 Understanding Workplace Culture and Culture Audits
10:06 The Importance of Leadership in Cultural Change
18:28 Navigating the Journey of Cultural Transformation
28:55 Building a Business Case for Culture Audits
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
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
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 workplace culture they have, and what they do to nourish that.
Joining us this week is the brilliant David Lane, Managing Director at Ecclesiastical Ireland.
In this episode we cover...
05:39 Intentionality in Company Culture
10:34 Engagement Surveys and Continuous Improvement
19:43 Long-term Focus on Culture and Leadership
23:54 Initiatives for Incremental Change
29:58 The Importance of Simple Changes
32:53 Balancing Business and Social Impact
37:42 Leadership's Role in Cultural Alignment
41:11 The Business Case for Purpose-Driven Work
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
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
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 game-changer for HR, and how organisations can use it to foster a healthier, more productive workplace.
To do this, we’re delighted to be joined by Joe Thompson, accredited mediator and Head of HR Services here at Insight HR.
In this episode, we cover...
06:24 The Benefits of Mediation Over Formal Processes
11:08 When Mediation is Not Appropriate
15:10 The Mediation Process Explained
29:51 Practical Advice for HR Managers
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
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
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 discuss a high profile every month, and share his advice, guidance and key takeaways for you as employers and HR teams.
So for our second episode of Liam’s Law, we’re delighted to be joined, of course, by Liam Barton, Senior HR Consultant here at Insight HR.
Today's case? This very interesting and complex case from The Rotunda Maternity Hospital!
In this episode, we cover...
01:46 Overview of the Rotunda Case
05:01 Analysis of the Case's Findings
10:22 Implications of Sexual Harassment Policies
14:05 Disciplinary Actions and Their Consequences
20:01 Constructive Dismissal and Its Challenges
25:11 Post-Investigation Measures and Mediation
30:53 Rights and Responsibilities in the Workplace
36:43 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
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
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
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 through this, and just what we can do to help, we’re delighted to be joined again by Liam Barton, Commercial Director here at Insight HR.
In this episode, we cover...
01:10 Navigating Uncertainty in Business
06:05 The Impact of Market Dynamics on HR
12:38 Future-Proofing Against Economic Challenges
18:34 Managing Employee Emotions During Change
26:52 The Importance of Communication in Restructuring
P.S Check out Mary's recent article on this topic right 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
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
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 guest for this series on the podcast, as she gave such fantastic insights into an organisation that many of us are familiar with, but I might argue, could know a lot more about.
We’re joined today by the brilliant Audrey Cahill, Director General at the Workplace Relations Commission.
In this episode, we cover...
03:16 Audrey's Journey in HR
14:19 Demystifying the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)
20:12 The Humanisation of the WRC
25:16 Creating a Safe Environment for Dispute Resolution
30:00 The Importance of Early Intervention
34:55 Establishing Clear Policies and Procedures
38:15 The Impact of Trust on Organisational Culture
44:42 Balancing Compliance with Organisational Needs
48:59 The Foundation of Effective HR Practices
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
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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 day, when managing investigations for organisations up and down the country.
So to talk us through the he said, she said dilemma, and just how expert investigators deal with the credibility challenge, we’re delighted to be joined by our very own Rebecca Bowman, Head of Workplace Investigations here at Insight HR.
In this episode, we cover...
02:13 Initial Steps in Addressing Complaints
05:29 The Importance of Early Resolution
09:28 Assessing Credibility: Tools and Techniques
13:16 Understanding the Role of the Investigator
21:55 Reporting Findings: Clarity and Objectivity
25:30 Post-Investigation Reconciliation and Management
Check out this recent article from Liam Barton on evidence and credibility in investigations, and our recent coverage of the GAA Catfish case which also showcases the importance of a robust investigations process!
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