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
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
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!
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
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
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
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
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
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.
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
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
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
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
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
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
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
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
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
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
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
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
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