The HR Room Podcast

For the next two weeks, we will be republishing some of our most popular episodes from The HR Room Podcast. This episode was first published on Oct 8, 2024.

 

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

For the next few weeks, we will be republishing some of our most popular episodes from The HR Room Podcast. This episode was first published on Aug 22, 2023. 

The demand for investigations in the workplace is constantly growing. Misconduct is taking place in workplaces, leaving HR teams and organisations with the task of tackling a workplace investigation. But given the time, complexity and seriousness of the issues, this is a big challenge for all involved. So how do you do it, what should you look out for, and where should you go for help? 

To answer this question and many more, we’re joined again by Liam Barton, Senior HR Consultant 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.

For show notes, go to www.InsightHR.ie/Podcast. 

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.

Visit us at www.InsightHR.ie.

Bridging the Connection Gap: Why Work Feels More Disconnected Than Ever

We've never had more ways to communicate at work, yet many employees have never felt more disconnected. With hybrid working now firmly established, organisations are grappling with a new challenge: how do you build genuine human connection when work has become increasingly digital, transactional and fragmented?

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary Cullen are joined by Scott McInnes, Founder of Inspiring Change, to discuss the findings of his latest research report, Bridging the Connection Gap. Together they explore why workplace connection has become one of the biggest cultural challenges facing organisations today, what hybrid working has changed, and how leaders can intentionally create environments where people feel connected, engaged and able to do their best work.

From overloaded calendars and endless Teams meetings to generational differences, leadership capability and the unintended consequences of technology, the conversation examines what organisations need to rethink if they want connection to become a genuine competitive advantage rather than simply another HR buzzword.

Guest:

• Scott McInnes — Founder, Inspiring Change

Topics include:

• Why workplace connection has become one of the biggest challenges facing modern organisations

• The findings from the Bridging the Connection Gap research report

• How hybrid working has changed relationships between employees and organisations

• Why busyness and back-to-back meetings are eroding meaningful connection

• The difference between digital communication and genuine human connection

• How technology can both enable and undermine workplace relationships

• The importance of intentional leadership in building connected teams

• Why managers need better support and development to lead effectively in hybrid environments

Key Takeaways for HR Leaders

• Connection is not a "nice to have"—it underpins trust, collaboration, wellbeing and performance.

• Hybrid working requires intentional design rather than simply asking people to return to the office.

• Busyness and constant digital communication are crowding out meaningful human interaction.

• Great workplace cultures are built through conversations, not surveys alone.

• Leaders and managers play a critical role in creating opportunities for genuine connection.

• Technology should support relationships, not replace them.

Resources Mentioned

• The Resources page Scott mentioned can be found here. This contains a link to the report and more details about Inspiring Change and the Building Better Cultures Podcast.

Get in Touch

If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, we'd love to connect with you.

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, or would like to appear as a guest on The HR Room, contact 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, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work.

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues or friends.

We're always keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future episodes.

For immediate HR support, contact Insight HR on 056 770 1060 or email info@insighthr.ie.

Every organisation wants to provide a workplace where people feel respected, safe and valued. Yet despite widespread awareness, robust policies and increased reporting, workplace bullying and incivility continue to undermine employee wellbeing, engagement and organisational performance.

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Liam Barton (Commercial Director - Insight HR) are joined by Dr. Renee Thompson, CEO and Founder of the Healthy Workforce Institute, to explore why workplace bullying remains such a persistent challenge and what organisations can do to build healthier workplace cultures where respect becomes the norm rather than the exception.

Guests

• Liam Barton — Commercial Director, Insight HR
• Renee Thompson — CEO & Founder, Healthy Workforce Institute

Topics include:

• Why workplace bullying continues despite increased awareness
• The difference between bullying and workplace incivility
• Why senior leaders often have the greatest influence on workplace culture
• Common mistakes organisations make when responding to bullying complaints
• Why policies alone are not enough to prevent workplace bullying
• The importance of training managers to recognise and address inappropriate behaviour
• Building a culture where difficult conversations happen early
• The relationship between psychological safety, respect and employee engagement

Key Takeaways for HR Leaders

• Workplace bullying is no longer primarily an awareness issue—it's an execution issue.
• Organisations must clearly distinguish between bullying and lower-level workplace incivility.
• Policies are essential, but culture is shaped by everyday behaviours and leadership actions.
• Managers need the confidence and skills to address inappropriate behaviour promptly.
• Leadership commitment is critical to creating psychologically safe workplaces.
• Employees are more likely to report concerns when they trust the organisation will act fairly.
• Respect, trust and open communication are stronger drivers of engagement than perks alone.

Resources Mentioned

• Insight HR Irish Workplace Bullying Report 2026
• Healthy Workforce Institute Healthy Workforce Culture Framework
• Enough! Eradicate Bullying & Incivility in Healthcare: Strategies for Front Line Leaders

Get in Touch

If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, we'd love to connect with you.

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, or would like to appear as a guest on The HR Room, contact 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, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work.

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues or friends.

We're always keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future episodes.

For immediate HR support, contact Insight HR on 056 770 1060 or email info@insighthr.ie.

 

 

HR professionals are often the people organisations turn to during their most difficult moments. Whether managing restructures, navigating conflict, supporting employee wellbeing or leading organisational change, HR is expected to remain calm, objective and resilient. Yet, the emotional toll of the profession itself is rarely discussed.

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Jennifer Dolan, Head of People & Culture at Nucleo, to explore why resilience has become one of the most important skills for HR professionals, and how practitioners can build careers that are both successful and sustainable.

The conversation examines the unique pressures facing HR leaders today, from managing redundancy processes and difficult employee relations issues to balancing organisational priorities with genuine care for people. Jennifer shares her own deeply personal career experiences, including being dismissed early in her HR career, managing collective redundancies that affected her own role, and navigating career transitions through the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Together, they discuss how HR professionals can recognise burnout, separate their identity from their job title, build meaningful professional relationships, and develop the resilience needed to thrive through constant organisational change.

Guest

• Jennifer Dolan — Head of People & Culture, Nucleo

Topics include:

• Why resilience has become a critical skill for modern HR professionals
• The emotional demands of supporting organisations through change and uncertainty
• Why HR professionals often carry invisible emotional burdens
• Leading redundancy processes while your own role is at risk
• Recognising when it's time to move on from an organisation
• The importance of building trusted HR networks and peer support
• The role of empathy, honesty and dignity during challenging workplace conversations
• Creating long-term resilience without sacrificing wellbeing

Key Takeaways for HR Leaders

• Resilience isn't about avoiding difficult situations—it's about learning and growing through them.
• HR professionals often carry significant emotional responsibility that can go unseen by others.
• Career setbacks can become defining moments that strengthen leadership and self-awareness.
• Strong professional networks provide invaluable support during difficult periods.
• It's important to separate your identity from your job title or organisation.
• Sometimes changing your environment is the healthiest career decision you can make.
• Difficult conversations should always be handled with honesty, empathy and dignity
• Organisations change constantly—building adaptability is essential for long-term career success.

Get in Touch

If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, we'd love to connect with you.

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, or would like to appear as a guest on The HR Room, contact 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, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work.

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues or friends.

We're always keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future episodes.

For immediate HR support, contact Insight HR on 056 770 1060 or email info@insighthr.ie.

For decades, a contractual retirement age of 65 was a standard feature of employment in Ireland. However, from 29 June 2026, that position has fundamentally changed. New legislation now gives many employees the right to request to remain in employment beyond their contractual retirement age and continue working until they reach the State Pension age of 66.

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Joanne Hyde, Partner at Lewis Silkin Ireland and employment law expert, to unpack the new legislation, explain what has changed, and discuss what employers need to do now to remain compliant.

The conversation explores the practical implications of the new law, including the process employees must follow when requesting to remain in employment, the obligations placed on employers, and the significant legal risks of failing to respond appropriately. Joanne explains why refusing a request will now require objective justification based on the individual employee rather than relying solely on organisational policy.

Guest

• Joanne Hyde — Partner, Lewis Silkin Ireland & Employment Law Specialist

Topics include:

• What has changed under Ireland's new retirement legislation from 29 June 2026
• Which employees are covered by the new right to work until State Pension age
• The process employees must follow when requesting to remain in employment
• Employer obligations and statutory response timeframes
• Updating contracts of employment, handbooks and retirement policies
• Preparing managers to handle retirement conversations confidently and sensitively
• Common mistakes employers make when managing retirement

Key Takeaways for HR Leaders

• Employees with a contractual retirement age below 66 can now request to remain in employment until State Pension age.
• Employers must respond to requests within the statutory timeframe and provide clear written reasons where a request is refused.
• Refusing a request requires objective justification based on the individual employee rather than relying solely on organisational policy.
• Retirement policies, contracts of employment and employee handbooks should be reviewed and updated immediately.
• Managers should receive training on handling retirement conversations professionally, consistently and compassionately.

Resources

• Joe Redmond's article on Ireland's new retirement legislation
• Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025
• Lewis Silkin's article on retirement age changes in Ireland

Get in Touch

If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, we'd love to connect with you.

If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, or would like to appear as a guest on The HR Room, contact 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, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work.

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues or friends.

We're always keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future episodes.

For immediate HR support, contact Insight HR on 056 770 1060 or email info@insighthr.ie.

 

Workplace culture is shaped by far more than policies and procedures. It reflects societal values, leadership behaviours, attitudes to work-life balance, and what organisations choose to reward and recognise. As debates around remote working, flexible working and employee wellbeing continue, many employers are looking beyond their own borders for inspiration.

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Shannon Murphy, Workplace Investigator at Insight HR, who recently returned from several months working remotely from Australia. Together, they explore what Irish employers can learn from workplace cultures around the world, from Australia's strong emphasis on life outside of work to the progressive workplace practices found across Scandinavia.

The episode also looks at the future of work in Ireland, including the ongoing debate around remote and hybrid working, the growing interest in four-day working weeks, and the importance of creating workplace cultures that genuinely align with organisational values. 

Guest:

• Shannon Murphy — Workplace Investigator, Insight HR

Topics include:

• Shannon's experience working remotely from Australia and the cultural differences she observed
• How Scandinavian countries consistently rank among the happiest in the world
• Ireland's evolving approach to remote and hybrid working
• The benefits and challenges of four-day working week models
• The importance of aligning workplace policies with day-to-day practices
• How employers can assess and improve their own workplace culture

Key Takeaways for HR Leaders:

• Workplace culture is reflected in behaviours, not just policies or values statements.
• Productivity should be measured by outcomes and quality of work rather than hours spent at a desk.
• Flexible working arrangements can improve wellbeing, engagement and retention when implemented effectively.
• Employees quickly recognise when there is a gap between what organisations say and what they reward.
• Work-life balance initiatives are most effective when they are genuinely supported by leaders.

Resources Mentioned:

• OECD Better Life Index — international comparison of work-life balance
• Global Work Life Balance Index (Ireland second in the world, highest in Europe)
• World Happiness Report 2026 (Finland happiest in world, Ireland placed 13)
• Four Day Work Week Research – The World’s largest study, in the UK

Upcoming Webinar:

Book your spot for our upcoming webinar "AI in the Workplace: What HR Needs to Know". The session features insights from Liam Barton, Commercial Director at Insight HR, and Karen Howley, AI specialist and expert in organisational change.

Register here

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.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in our workplaces, communication, leadership and even creativity are changing rapidly. AI can now help us write presentations, craft speeches, prepare for interviews and produce polished content in seconds. But while technology can enhance how we communicate, it cannot replace the human qualities that create genuine trust, influence and connection.

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Niamh McElwain, Award-Winning Facilitator, Speaker, Executive Coach, Consultant and Business All-Star Accredited Thought Leader. They discuss what organisations and leaders risk losing if they become overly reliant on AI-generated communication, and why authenticity, courage and human connection matter more than ever.

The conversation examines the growing temptation to outsource communication and leadership to AI tools, while highlighting the uniquely human skills that remain irreplaceable. Niamh shares insights from her work helping leaders 'own their stage', discussing how trust is built, why listening is one of the most powerful leadership skills, and how authentic communication creates deeper influence than polished perfection ever can.

The episode also explores the role of courage in modern leadership, from speaking up and navigating uncertainty to having difficult conversations and adapting to rapid change. Ultimately, while AI may transform how work is done, it is our ability to connect, listen, empathise and lead with authenticity that will continue to define great leadership.

Guest:

• Niamh McElwain — Award-Winning Facilitator, Speaker, Executive Coach, Consultant & Business All-Star Accredited Thought Leader

Topics include:

• The rise of AI-generated communication and its impact on workplace relationships
• Why trust, influence and connection remain fundamentally human skills
• The trust equation and how leaders build credibility and psychological safety
• Authenticity, vulnerability and the power of sharing real experiences
• Why listening is one of the most undervalued leadership skills
• Why courage matters more than confidence in leadership
• The future of work and the human skills that will become increasingly valuable
• Why curiosity, empathy, courage and listening may be the ultimate competitive advantage in the AI era

Key Takeaways for HR Leaders:

• AI should enhance human capability, not replace authentic human connection.
• Trust is built through credibility, reliability, integrity and genuine care for others.
• The most influential leaders listen more than they speak.
• Authenticity creates stronger connections than polished, performative communication.
• Courage is a skill that can be developed through practice and experience.
• Organisations should encourage experimentation and learning rather than fear-driven resistance to AI.

Resources Mentioned:

• Own My Stage
• The Courage Project
• Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
• Disrupt HR

Upcoming Webinar:

Book your spot for our upcoming webinar 'AI in the Workplace: What HR Needs to Know'. Hosted by Dave Corkery, the session features insights from Liam Barton, Commercial Director at Insight HR, and Karen Howley, AI specialist and expert in organisational change.

Register here

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.

 

Mental health continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing workplaces today. While awareness around employee wellbeing has grown considerably in recent years, many organisations still struggle to translate good intentions into meaningful, practical support for employees.

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we explore how organisations can move beyond surface-level wellbeing initiatives and create workplace cultures that genuinely support employee mental health. Hosts Dave Corkery and Mary Cullen (Founder and Managing Director of Insight HR) are joined by special guest Jacqui Mulligan, Project Coordinator of The Working Mind at Mental Health First Aid Ireland.

Together, they discuss the launch of The Working Mind programme in Ireland — an evidence-based framework designed to help employees, managers and organisations better understand mental health, recognise early warning signs, reduce stigma and build healthier workplace cultures.

Guests

• Jacqui Mulligan — Project Coordinator, The Working Mind, Mental Health First Aid Ireland

Topics include:

• Why awareness alone is not enough without practical action
• The origins and purpose of The Working Mind programme
• Understanding the Mental Health Continuum framework
• The role of managers in supporting employee mental health
• How culture, leadership and workload impact mental health outcomes
• The importance of early intervention and meaningful support
• Building psychologically safe workplace cultures
• The business case for investing in employee wellbeing

Resources & Links

• Mental Health First Aid Ireland: Mental Health First Aid Ireland
• Deloitte research on workplace wellbeing ROI: Deloitte Mental Health and Employers Research
• Learn more about Insight HR: Insight HR

Contact Insight HR

📧 info@insighthr.ie
📞 +353 56 7701060

🌐 Insight HR – HR Consultancy Services Ireland

 

What does it really mean to build a people-first culture? And how can organisations ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded into the systems, processes and leadership behaviours that shape everyday employee experiences?

In this episode of The HR Room, we explore how Heineken have developed a culture where people, performance and business success work hand-in-hand. With our special guest Debra Popplewell (People Director - Heineken Ireland), we discuss the importance of employee voice, leadership accountability, psychological safety, inclusive recruitment practices and the role transparency plays in building trust.

Guests

• Debra Popplewell — People Director, Heineken Ireland

Topics Include:

• What a true people-first culture looks like in practice
• Why performance and employee experience should reinforce one another
• The importance of employee voice and meaningful listening
• Why culture is shaped through behaviours, not values posters
• Creating psychological safety and building trust at work
• How employee feedback can drive real organisational change
• Common mistakes organisations make when measuring engagement
• Leadership behaviours that sustain positive workplace cultures
• Investing in people manager capability and leadership development
• Preparing for the EU Pay Transparency Directive
• Why job evaluation frameworks are becoming increasingly important
• Practical lessons from Heineken’s approach to culture and employee experience

Key Takeaways

• A people-first culture is not about prioritising people over performance — it is recognising that performance is delivered through people.
• Employee listening only creates value when organisations act on the feedback they receive.
• Culture is shaped by everyday decisions, leadership behaviours and organisational systems rather than written values alone.
• Recruitment processes play a critical role in demonstrating organisational culture and attracting diverse talent.
• Inclusive workplaces require organisations to continually examine and remove barriers within their systems and processes.
• Transparency around pay, progression and decision-making is becoming increasingly important for employee trust.
• Leaders must be willing to challenge themselves and examine how their own behaviours may be reinforcing unwanted outcomes.
• Sustainable high performance comes from designing systems that help people do great work, rather than relying on individuals to succeed despite organisational obstacles.
• Meaningful culture change is a long-term commitment that requires consistency, intention and continuous listening.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Insight HR's services around workplace culture, leadership development, employee engagement and organisational effectiveness.
• Find out how Insight HR can support your organisation in preparing for the EU Pay Transparency Directive, including job evaluation frameworks and pay transparency readiness.

Contact Insight HR

📧 info@insighthr.ie
📞 +353 56 7701060

🌐 Insight HR – HR Consultancy Services Ireland

 

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