The HR Room Podcast

Episode 196 - Preparing For Pension Auto-Enrolment

According to a 2023 survey by the Central Statistics Office, 32% of workers aged between 20 and 69 are not signed up to a private pension. Without a change, hundreds of thousands of workers would be reliant solely on their State pension when they retire.

But thankfully, the long-awaited and well-publicised pension auto-enrolment plan is now closer than ever, with employers and employees now double-checking what exactly is happening and what they must do!

So to talk to us about exactly that, and help us share advice on this topic for HR teams and employers, we’re delighted to be joined by Stephen Gillick, Partner at Mason Hayes & Curran.

 

In this chat, we cover...

02:30 Current State of Pension Auto-Enrolment in Ireland
08:13 Employer Perspectives on Auto-Enrolment
11:32 HR Challenges and Concerns
17:25 Cost Implications for Employers
21:19 Benefits of Auto-Enrolment for Employees
29:01 Preparing for Auto-Enrolment Implementation
34:58 Compliance and Future Considerations

 

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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business.

If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR.

Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland, we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing.

Episode 195 - Let's Talk Employment Permits

Significant updates to Ireland's employment permit system were recently introduced with the Employment Permits Act 2024, which took effect on September 2nd, in the hope of enhancing the system's efficiency, offering a more flexible and responsive approach to the evolving needs of the labour market, and essentially streamline the processes, making it easier for employers to recruit international talent and better address skill shortages across various sectors.

So to talk us through the updates and everything in between, we’re delighted to be joined by Declan Groarke, Senior Associate in Employment, Immigration and Reward at Lewis Silkin Ireland. 

 

Chapters

00:00 Overview of Employment Permits Act 2024
02:17 Key Changes in Employment Permit System
10:38 Sector-Specific Impacts of New Legislation
11:06 Challenges in Recruitment and Retention
14:59 Navigating Compliance and Application Processes
25:30 Future Considerations and Budgeting for Recruitment

 

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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business.

If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR.

Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland, we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing.

Episode 194 - Employee Representation in Internal Disciplinary Processes

Divine intervention in disciplinary procedures?!

In today’s episode we focus on a crucial element of fair disciplinary procedures: the employee's right to representation, and all the weird and wonderful nuances that can come with it!

So to discuss why representation matters, how to manage the process, and what employers need to do to ensure this right is respected, we’re delighted to be joined by David McCarroll, Partner at RDJ Solicitors!

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Employee Representation in Disciplinary Procedures
03:00 Understanding Employee Rights and Policies
05:47 The Role of Representation in Disciplinary Hearings
08:59 Navigating Trade Union Representation
11:49 Challenges Faced by HR in Disciplinary Processes
15:07 Advice for Employers and HR Practitioners
17:55 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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business.

If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR.

Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland, we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing.

Episode 193 - An Update on Maternity Protection Legislation

In today’s episode, we’re diving into some important updates that will affect employers and employees across Ireland – the Maternity Protection (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2024.

This new legislation introduces some significant changes to maternity leave and protections for parents in the workplace. We’re discussing what these changes mean, why they’re needed, and how HR professionals can ensure compliance while offering real support to their teams.

And to do this, we’re delighted to be joined by Emma Quinn, Associate in the Employment department at Eversheds Sutherland.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Maternity Protection Changes
03:02 Key Changes in Maternity Protection Amendment Bill
09:07 Ongoing Challenges of Maternity Discrimination
15:22 Assessing the Impact of New Legislation
17:05 Best Practices for HR in Supporting Employees
20:31 Consequences of Non-Compliance with New Regulations
26:35 Balancing Compliance with Employee Support

 

Please note, there have been some updates in the days since we recorded this chat with Emma.

• Mental health conditions have now been included but employees will need to be receiving in-patient treatment, rather than outpatient treatment for employees suffering from a physical condition.
• The NDA provisions that were outlined in the General Scheme have been removed. The Bill has passed the Seanad so the NDA provisions may still be reintroduced in the Dail.

 

Check out the most up-to-date and comprehensive version of the Bill, 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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business.

If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR.

Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland, we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing.

Episode 192 - Deloitte Special: Let's Talk Talent & Retention

In this episode, we’re diving into some fascinating insights from Deloitte’s latest survey of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies. 

The survey has revealed some key trends that are shaping the future of business in Ireland - everything from international expansion and sustainability, to the growing emphasis on talent retention.

And to talk us through the findings, we’re delighted to be joined by no other than Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme. 

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Deloitte's Survey Insights
02:39 Key Findings from the Survey
05:23 Challenges in Talent Retention
12:15 Strategies for Effective Talent Retention
15:28 Growth and Its Implications for HR
22:28 Actionable Takeaways for HR Professionals

 

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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business.

If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR.

Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland, we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing.

Episode 191 - Managing A Disciplinary Hearing

Today, we're diving into one of the more challenging and often nerve-wracking aspects of HR—managing a workplace disciplinary hearing. It’s a process that, when not handled properly, can lead to unnecessary stress, strained relationships, and even legal challenges.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

So, in this episode, to guide us through these complex procedures, outline best practices, common pitfalls, and how to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the process, we’re joined by our very own Joe Thompson, HR Consultant here at Insight HR. 

 

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Disciplinary Hearing Process
06:30 Common Pitfalls in Disciplinary Hearings
13:14 The Importance of Structured Policies
19:53 Employee Rights and Obligations
25:53 Maintaining Impartiality in Disciplinary Processes
32:51 Key Takeaways for Conducting Fair Hearings

 

P.S Register for our upcoming webinar on Breaking Down Disciplinary Procedures 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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business.

If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR.

Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland, we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing.

Episode 190 - Tackling Workplace Racism

While Ireland is known for its rich diversity and inclusive spirit, the reality is that racism remains an active issue in many organisations.

As HR professionals, it’s crucial to not only recognise and address these challenges head-on but also to proactively foster a culture of inclusion and respect.

So today, we share practical advice on how to effectively combat racism in the workplace - from implementing robust policies and training to conducting fair investigations and driving meaningful change.

 

Chapters

00:00 Addressing Racism in Irish Workplaces
04:14 Building a Culture of Inclusion
08:01 Proactive Measures Against Racism
12:29 Handling Allegations of Discrimination
16:01 The Importance of Speak Up Policies
19:35 Post-Incident Analysis and Follow-Up
24:02 Advice for HR Teams on Diversity and Inclusion

 

P.S Check out our new Guide For Employers: Managing Dignity At Work Investigations 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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business.

If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR.

Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland, we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing.

Episode 189 - Let's Talk Transphobia In The Workplace

A 2017 survey by the Transgender Equality Network Ireland found that 55% of respondents indicated that they had experienced or witnessed transphobic bullying in the workplace.

In the 7 years since this survey, although we’ve seen progress in policies, culture, gender expression etc., challenges still remain for transgender people, with this issue far from solved.

So to chat to us today and provide some insights and advice on what we can do about this from a HR perspective, we’re delighted to be joined by our very own experienced HR leader, Susie Lowe, Workplace Investigator 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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business.

If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR.

Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland, we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing.

Episode 188 - Taking Stock: Investigating Theft In The Workplace

So you've caught someone red-handed, stealing from the workplace. Is what you do next simply black and white? Or is there some grey areas and a lot of red tape? If something like this happens out of the blue, will you be ready to manage it?

Luckily today, and also in our webinar at the end of the month, we’re be offering up some advice on a silver platter!

So to do exactly that, and guide us through the topic of theft in the workplace, we’re delighted to be joined by our very own Rebecca Bowman, Head of Workplace Investigations 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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business.

If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR.

Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland, we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing.

Episode 187 - An Update on Collective Redundancies

Although redundancies did capture the headlines in recent years and in certain sectors, redundancies are a challenge that many organisations across all industries will face at some point. 

Thankfully, we have robust legislation in place, with even more changes recently announced! But as with any new legislation or HR subject like this, it’s always a challenge to make sure you’re doing the right thing!

So to talk to us about the recent changes and what they mean for employers and HR teams, we’re delighted to be joined by Siobhan Lafferty, Senior Associate at LK Shields Solicitors LLP. 

 

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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business.

If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR.

Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland, we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing.