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 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
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
In this episode of The HR Room, hosts Mary Cullen (Founder, MD - Insight HR) and Dave Corkery (Content & Social Media Lead - Insight HR) discuss the rising trend of quiet redundancies, particularly in the context of recent layoffs at TikTok. They're joined by Adrian Twomey (Partner - Jacob and Twomey Solicitors) to explore the implications of these practices on employees and the role of trade unions in the redundancy process.
The conversation also dives into the legal considerations surrounding redundancies, the impact of AI on employment, and the importance of clear communication and planning in managing workforce changes.
Topics covered include:
- Employers seeking to minimize the negative impact of layoffs.
- The redundancy process being challenging for both management and employees.
- Timing is crucial when implementing redundancies.
- AI replacing certain job roles.
- Legislation regarding redundancies being often outdated.
- Trade unions playing a diminishing role in redundancy processes.
- Clear planning and communication being essential in redundancy situations.
The Journal article that we reference on the accusations of TikTok making 'quiet' redundancies' can be found here.
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
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we’re joined by Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme at Deloitte, to unpack the findings from their latest research in collaboration with UCD Smurfit. We explore how Irish businesses are embracing AI to boost productivity and support employees, how rising costs are shaping strategy, and why talent acquisition and retention remain the biggest barriers to growth. From innovation and international expansion to employee engagement and wellbeing, Brian shares what the country’s best managed companies are doing today to future-proof their organisations and win the war for talent.
We chat about:
- AI Adoption and the Future of Work
- Addressing Employee Retention & Talent Acquisition
- How to maintain resilience in the face of increasing costs
- The role of diversity in Ireland's best managed companies
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
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
In this episode, hosts Dave Corkery (Content & Social Media Lead – Insight HR) and Mary Cullen (Founder, Managing Director - Insight HR) are joined by Insight HR’s Commercial Director Liam Barton to discuss the evolving landscape of work in Ireland, particularly focusing on the shift towards remote and hybrid work arrangements post-pandemic. They explore the reasons behind Ireland's high rate of hybrid work, the implications of return-to-office policies, and the potential for conflict and stress among employees.
Topics covered include:
- The Shift to Remote Work in Ireland
- Employee Sentiment and Work-Life Balance
- Navigating Remote Work Requests
- Union Involvement and Employer Challenges
- The Financial Implications of Office Space
- Stress and Tension in Return to Work Policies
- Navigating Workplace Conflict and Employee Well-being
- The Role of HR in Managing Change
References:
- Eurofound’s Quality of Life in the EU Survey
- Women, parents and under-35s most stressed by return-to-work policies, survey finds – Irish Times
- First Award for Breach of Remote Working Provision
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
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
This week, we're talking about AI – in particular, its transformative immediate and potential impact on HR.
Hosts Dave Corkery (Content & Social Media Lead – Insight HR) & Mary Cullen (Founder, Managing Director – Insight HR) are joined by Stephanie Prenderville (Founder – SP Consulting), a HR leader and consultant who has undergone change and transformation projects at Aer Lingus, AIB, Diageo, Pfizer, Tesco and many more.
We explore the potential benefits, risks and possibilities of introducing AI into HR functions and the importance of developing AI literacy among HR professionals. We also discuss the importance of maintaining a human element in AI implementation to ensure ethical and effective use.
Topics we cover include:
- HR Leaders' Attitudes Towards AI
- The Importance of AI Literacy in HR
- The Seven Core Skills Needed for AI Literacy
- Potential Pitfalls of AI in HR
- The Human Element in AI Implementation
- Embracing Change in the New World of Work
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.
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.
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 Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave Corkery is joined by Mary Cullen, founder of Insight HR, and Ed Brzychcy, executive coach and leadership consultant, to explore the power of coaching for HR leaders.
From the misconceptions around AI-driven coaching to the transformative impact of real human coaching conversations, this discussion dives into why coaching is a critical tool for HR leaders looking to shape culture, empower teams, and lead with purpose.
🎙️ Whether you’re an HR leader considering coaching for yourself, or an executive looking to strengthen your leadership legacy, this episode is packed with insights, personal stories, and practical advice.
Register for our executive coaching webinar
As mentioned, we are hosting a live webinar on executive coaching for HR leadership where we'll be joined again by Ed, and with our own Megan Power, Head of Change and Transformation. You can register for that right here.
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
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we explore the crucial role of mediation in resolving workplace conflict. Our Head of Strategy & Growth Barry Casserly hands over the podcast hosting reigns to Dave Corkery, Insight HR’s new Content & Social Media Lead. They’re joined by Joe Thompson, Head of Support Services at Insight HR, an accredited mediator who brings a wealth of experience on the subject.
From spotting when mediation is appropriate, to understanding the process step by step, to building trust and neutrality as a mediator, this episode is packed with insights for HR professionals and leaders who want to handle conflict effectively.
In this episode, we cover:
01:30 – Why Mediation?
04:55 – When Not to Mediate
07:35 – The Mediation Process
12:20 – Building Trust
17:40 – Staying Neutral as a Mediator
18:20 – Barry’s Perspective as a People Leader
21:20 – Success Stories
23:40 – When Mediation Fails
25:15 – Key Takeaways & Closing
As promised, if you’d like to learn more about our mediation services, or have a confidential chat, you can find more info and contact us here.
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
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
How to Mitigate the Risks of Workplace Investigations ⚖️
In our latest episode of The HR Room Podcast, we’re joined by Liam Barton, Commercial Director at Insight HR, and workplace investigator Susie Lowe, to explore one of the most complex and high-stakes areas in HR – workplace investigations.
From grievances and disciplinary issues to dignity at work complaints, investigations are becoming more common – but if they’re not handled properly, they can leave organisations exposed to serious legal, reputational, and financial risks.
Together, Liam and Susie discuss:
1️⃣ Why investigations happen and what their purpose really is.
2️⃣ The common mistakes and pitfalls that can derail investigations.
3️⃣ Why HR professionals often find investigations so challenging.
4️⃣ How to plan and structure an investigation process.
5️⃣ The role and responsibilities of an investigator – and who should take it on.
6️⃣ Where organisations can go for support if they lack internal expertise.
7️⃣ Whether workplace investigations are on the rise – and why.
🎙️ Packed with insights and practical steps, this episode will help HR leaders, managers, and business owners navigate investigations with confidence, reduce risk, and protect both people and the organisation.
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 Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
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
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
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