The HRLocker Podcast

HRLocker

5.0 (3)
Management
Every two months

We talk about all things HR - We gather the best guests at the top of their field to talk about Flexible working, Attracting and Retaining Top Talent, 4-day workweek, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I;), Employer Branding, Aligning business objectives with human objectives, Productivity, Remote Teams & Company Culture.

2 days ago

Data in HR - It’s about people, not numbers

Why fewer than 28% of Irish SMEs have HR systems fit for purpose, and what to put in place first, with Laura Barry of Insight HR and Gavin Fox of Needl Recruitment. Episode overview Most Irish SMEs are still running HR on email, spreadsheets and goodwill. A recent HRLocker survey found that just 28% of SMEs have an HRIS or technology stack genuinely fit for purpose. The hidden costs (lost data, GDPR exposure, and the kind of compliance gaps that only surface during a WRC inspection) pile up quietly until a crisis forces a scramble. In this episode of The HRLocker Room, HRLocker’s CEO, Crystel Robbins Rynne, brings together two practitioners who see this problem from very different angles: Laura Barry, Head of People Development at Insight HR, and Gavin Fox, Director and Co‑founder of Needl Recruitment. Together, they walk through what the foundations of a modern, compliant HR function actually look like and how to build them before you need them. Gavin shares what he sees on the ground with growing startups: founders who haven’t hired a People person yet, candidates negotiating with far more sophistication than a generation ago, and the rise of Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements as a fast on‑ramp to the Irish market. Laura draws on years of in‑house and consultancy experience to explain what every SME contract and handbook should look like, why a yearly handbook review isn’t optional any more, and how to prepare calmly for a WRC inspection rather than panic when one arrives. They also tackle the legislative landscape, including pay transparency, auto‑enrolment, rising employer PRSI and a growing list of leave entitlements, and what it all means for SMEs that already feel stretched on cost. Plus a candid conversation about Irish ambition: why we should be celebrating €5–10M seed rounds, not €1M, and why every SME needs a clearer view of its own perceived value. If you’re scaling or about to, this episode is the foundation conversation worth having before the next hire. Key topics we explore Why just 28% of Irish SMEs have HR tech fit for purpose and what the hidden cost isGDPR risk in the inbox: how unstructured data exposes growing businessesThe HR foundations every SME needs, including contracts, handbooks, policies, proceduresWhy your handbook needs a yearly review (domestic violence leave, medical care leave and more)When to hire your first people person and the case for doing it earlier than feels comfortableHow modern candidates negotiate. And why fairness and honesty have replaced loyaltyEmployer of Record (EOR) arrangements: when they make sense, and when to set up your own entityPreparing for a WRC inspection without panic and the checklist that actually helpsWhat pay transparency, auto‑enrolment, employer PRSI and rising costs mean for SMEs in the next 18 monthsIrish ambition: why we should be celebrating bigger seed rounds and building perceived value at home and abroadWould you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!

39 min
2 days ago

Remote Work Reset – Ireland’s €10 Million Missed Opportunity

Six years on from the great work‑from‑home experiment, the conversation about remote work in Ireland has gone strangely quiet. Roughly 15% of Irish companies now hire fully remotely and 45% are hybrid, but the change is, in Tracy Keogh’s words: “stitchy, not systemic.” Headlines focus on big multinationals pulling people back to the office, while a whole category of globally distributed employers passes Ireland by. In this episode of The HRLocker Room, HRLocker’s CEO, Crystel Robbins Rynne, sits down with Tracy Keogh, Co‑founder of Grow Remote, to unpack where Ireland has actually landed on remote working, and what it would take to turn dispersed progress into a genuine national advantage. Grow Remote was founded pre‑pandemic to solve the practical problems of remote work and maximise its benefits for people, places and employers. Today it runs Europe’s largest training programmes for remote workers, managers and adopting organisations, and operates the world’s largest offline community of remote employees, with local meet‑ups across Ireland growing by 120%. Tracy makes the economic case in stark numbers: for every 1,000 remote jobs landed into Ireland, the country gains approximately €10 million in tax revenue and €20 million in GDP, and proper PRSI/PAYE employment, dispersed across towns from Mullingar to West Cork. She also doesn’t shy away from the harder truths, saying: there is real, organised pushback against remote work in parts of Ireland, the “right to request” legislation isn’t moving the needle, and not every company should go remote…and that’s fine. Tune in for a candid, practical conversation about defining what remote work actually means, why the IDA / Enterprise Ireland model needs a location‑agnostic equivalent, and the surprising story of an Irish AI team that landed roles a multinational couldn’t fill in the US. Key topics we explore The state of remote work in Ireland: 15% fully remote, 45% hybrid, and why the progress is “stitchy, not systemic” Why the “right to request remote work” legislation isn’t shifting the dial The missing category: global remote‑first employers (Automattic, GitLab, Zapier) and how to win them into the Irish market The economic case: €10M in tax revenue and €20M in GDP for every 1,000 remote jobs landed Defining “remote work”: from one‑day‑a‑week hybrid to fully nomadic, and why location‑agnostic employment is the sweet spot The talent gap: why Irish candidates and global remote employers aren’t finding each other Local pushback against remote work and why blocking it isn’t an option What an “IDA for remote work” could look like in practice Why some organisations should stay office‑first, and how to know which camp you’re in Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!

24 min
13 Apr

The HRLocker Room Episode 3: Ditch the Spreadsheets: Streamlining HR Admin for SMEs

As highlighted in The Irish SME HR Report, many Irish SMEs are still relying on paper files, spreadsheets, and manual processes to manage HR. In fact, most spend one to two days per week on admin alone. That’s a significant drain on time and resources. More importantly, it’s becoming a real compliance risk. With new legislation, increased WRC scrutiny, and rising expectations around transparent record‑keeping, outdated processes make it harder for SMEs to stay protected. In Episode 3 of The HRLocker Room, HRLocker’s CEO, Crystel Robbins Rynne, speaks with Yvonne Clarke, Head of HR Solutions at RBK Chartered Accountants, about how SMEs can simplify HR admin, reduce manual workload and build the solid foundations needed for a modern, compliant HR function. From time tracking and leave management to onboarding, probation, and documentation, Yvonne shares the most common issues she sees on the ground - and the practical steps SMEs can take to streamline processes and stay audit‑ready. Key Topics Why SMEs still rely on spreadsheets - and the risks this createsTime tracking, breaks & WRC record‑keeping: what SMEs must get rightHow to build a strong recruitment, onboarding & probation processAutomating HR admin: where to start and what to prioritiseChange management: communication, habit‑building & employee buy‑inAuto‑Enrolment: what SMEs need to prepare for in 2026Gender Pay Gap reporting: understanding the data and the narrativePay Transparency: what’s coming and how to get aheadTo help your business ditch the spreadsheets and streamline HR admin, download our practical guide: How to Centralise your HR Documents. Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!

33 min
4 Mar

The HRLocker Room Episode 2: Designing the Future of Work

Exploring how organisations can design meaningful, flexible and future-ready work environments with Barry Winkless, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of the Future of Work Institute at CPL Group. Episode Overview What if everything we think we know about work is already out of date? In this episode of The HRLocker Room, Barry Winkless, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of the Future of Work Institute at CPL Group, joins us to explore the forces reshaping how people work, lead and create value. Barry has spent more than 25 years working globally with some of the world’s most respected organisations. He leads the award‑winning Future of Work Institute, a team dedicated to questioning, exploring and designing future work solutions with organisations around the world. A recognised expert in his field, Barry was named one of the Top 50 Global Influencers on the Future of Work by Onalytica. He also heads the Future Work World Network and hosts the Future Work World podcast. His new book, Future Work World, is a strategic companion for leaders navigating the next era of work. It takes readers through four key stages: mindset, meta wave, model and move, offering a practical, user‑friendly journey for designing work worlds that excite, entice and engage. In this episode, Barry argues that the future of work isn’t defined by AI or hybrid policies alone. It’s shaped by shifting expectations, new workforce models and a fundamental rethinking of how organisations create value. In this conversation, he breaks down the trends leaders need to understand — and the opportunities SMEs are uniquely positioned to seize. Key topics we explore What the future of work really means and how to think strategically about the 3WsThe workplaceThe workforceThe work itselfHow the rise of the workforce salad, including permanent, contract, gig, and project-based workers, is becoming the new normal.Why individuals (and their expectations) are becoming the most important organisation in the worldThe importance of culture in a multi-modal workforce and how a narrative blueprint helps build culture consistentlyHow using AI only for efficiency creates a mindset gap, but a human-centred approach supports creativity, inclusivity and collective intelligence.How the next era of leadership is shifting to facilitation, psychological safety and shared responsibility.How SMEs' ability to move fast, design flexible work models and access global talent in ways that large enterprises can’t presents a unique opportunity.Tune in to hear Barry’s insights on designing future‑ready organisations, embracing new workforce models and leading in a world where technology and human expectations are evolving at speed. Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!

32 min
27 Jan

The HRLocker Room Podcast Episode 1: Employment Law & SME Compliance

Auto‑enrolment, pay transparency, gender pay gap reporting - Irish SMEs face major changes. Hear expert insights and get practical steps to stay compliant. Navigating New Employment Laws, Auto‑Enrolment & Pay Transparency for Irish SMEs with Louisa Meehan and ISME’s Neil McDonnell Episode Overview Irish SMEs are facing one of the busiest periods of legislative change in years. From auto‑enrolment and minimum wage increases to pay transparency rules, gender pay gap reporting, and new leave entitlements, it’s a growing list. For many business owners, it’s becoming harder to keep up, harder to stay compliant, and harder to feel confident that everything is covered. In this episode, HRLocker’s CEO, Crystel Robbins Rynne, sits down with HR consultant Louisa Meehan and Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, to break down what’s changing, what SMEs need to know, and how to prepare without feeling overwhelmed. Key topics Why 74% of SMEs feel unprepared for WRC inspectionsThe real compliance challenges behind new employment lawsAuto‑Enrolment: What SMEs need to know Pay Transparency: What’s coming and why it’s complicatedGender Pay Gap reporting: What the numbers really meanThe bigger picture: childcare, flexibility, and cultural changeWhat SMEs should prioritise in 2026Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!

34 min
28/08/2024

2024 CIPD HR Practices in Ireland Report: Insights with Mary Connaughton, Director of CIPD Ireland

CIPD's Annual report on Ireland’s HR Practices offers an in-depth look at the issues and trends shaping the world of work across the country. The 2024 survey captures the experiences and challenges faced by HR professionals in a diverse range of industries, focusing on key areas such as workforce expectations, leadership gaps, and the evolving role of AI in the workplace. In this episode, we’re joined by Mary Connaughton, Director of CIPD Ireland, to discuss the latest findings. Mary will share her insights on how organisations can address growing demands for employee wellbeing, flexible working, and financial support, as well as strategies for closing leadership and skills gaps. We’ll also explore the impact of AI on HR practices and discuss practical approaches for SMEs to enhance their HR capabilities without breaking the bank. Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!

36 min
04/06/2024

Enhancing Psychological Safety and Communication in Your Organisation

Welcome to this episode of the HRLocker Podcast, specially tailored for HR managers and business owners keen on advancing their workplace environments. Today, we will discuss essential strategies for nurturing psychological safety and enhancing communication in your organisation. Our focus will include practical methods for creating a supportive environment where staff feel comfortable expressing themselves, effective, respectful communication, preventative approaches to conflict, maximising Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), and ensuring communication makes employees feel valued and understood. We are delighted to have Elaine Ryan with us, an HR Consultant with a vast background in people management, culture enhancement, and change management. Elaine also brings her expertise as an Executive and Business Coach, Life Coach, and NLP Practitioner. She is committed to prioritising psychological safety and refining communication to boost staff retention and engagement. With Elaine’s expertise, we’ll explore how to apply these strategies effectively to create a supportive and successful company culture. We hope you enjoy it. Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!

45 min
19/04/2024

ESG Requirements: CSRD Mandates, Reporting Deadlines, and Funding

Welcome to the HRLocker Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on the latest HR developments. Today, we delve into the realm of corporate responsibility and ESG, with a particular focus on the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and its implications for companies across Ireland. Joining us is Patrick Meskell from the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy—an authority in guiding companies of varying sizes through the intricacies of strategic sustainability. Patrick, an ESG practitioner, is deeply committed to enabling organisations to harness the advantages of early ESG integration. In this episode, we'll dissect the timelines and mandates of the CSRD, provide guidance on impending ESG reporting deadlines, and delve into available financial support and funding to facilitate the transition towards formulating an ESG framework. Furthermore, we'll spotlight proactive measures your company can implement to align with ESG standards sooner rather than later, ensuring readiness to meet compliance expectations. Whether you're seeking to stay ahead of the curve or simply aiming to navigate the evolving landscape, this episode is brimming with invaluable insights you won't want to overlook. We trust you'll find it enriching. Patrick Meskell brings a wealth of experience as a sustainability practitioner with the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, specialising in devising and delivering training to businesses of all scales on strategic sustainability matters. He's dedicated to assisting organisations in recognizing the value and opportunities associated with early adoption and planning across all aspects of ESG. Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!

23 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

Really helpful

04/02/2021

ClaireBoat

Find the updates really informative

We talk about all things HR - We gather the best guests at the top of their field to talk about Flexible working, Attracting and Retaining Top Talent, 4-day workweek, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I;), Employer Branding, Aligning business objectives with human objectives, Productivity, Remote Teams & Company Culture.

Creator

HRLocker
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

52
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 The HRLocker Podcast
Show Website

The HRLocker Podcast