The HR Room Podcast

Insight HR
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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

  1. 1H AGO

    Ep 257 - Still Boxed In: Gender Stereotypes At Work

    Gender stereotypes continue to shape how work is valued, how talent is assessed, and how people progress in organisations, often in ways that operate beneath the surface of conscious awareness. Despite decades of progress on gender equality, deeply embedded assumptions about leadership, competence and commitment continue to influence workplace decisions. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by globally recognised researcher and DEI expert Lori Mackenzie, co-founder of the Stanford VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab, to explore how gender stereotypes persist in today’s workforce — and why they matter for HR leaders. Drawing on international research, real workplace examples and lived experience, the conversation examines how stereotypes show up in recruitment, promotion, performance assessment and leadership language. They discuss why women can also internalise and reinforce these beliefs, the impact of motherhood penalties, and how seemingly neutral words can carry gendered assumptions. They also explore the growing role of AI in HR decision-making - both the risks of embedding existing bias at scale, and the opportunity to use data and pattern recognition to challenge inequity.  Guest Lori Mackenzie – Co-Founder, Stanford VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab Topics include: Why gender stereotypes remain deeply embedded in modern workplaces Findings from the European Institute for Gender Equality on attitudes to pay and work value How stereotypes influence hiring, promotion and reward decisions Why women can also internalise and reinforce gender bias The “motherhood penalty” and its impact on career progression How language reinforces narrow definitions of leadership and success Gendered descriptors such as “bossy”, “shrill” and “strategic” — and why they matter Where bias shows up across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to development The risks of relying on “gut instinct” in hiring and promotion decisions AI in HR: amplifying bias versus using technology to identify patterns and blind spots Practical tools to block bias, including scorecards, rubrics and clearer success criteria The role of transparency, awareness and self-reflection in driving real change Useful Links & Resources European Institute for Gender Equality – Gender Equality Index Stanford VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab LinkedIn page Lori's website 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 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by The HR Room, produced by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland and beyond 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.

    39 min

  2. FEB 10

    Wellness Works Ep3: Embedding Wellbeing through Champions

    Embedding workplace wellbeing takes more than good intentions and one-off initiatives. It requires people across the organisation who are willing to champion it every day. In this episode of the Wellness Works mini-series on The HR Room Podcast, Dave Corkery and Laura Barry, Head of People Development at Insight HR, are joined by special guest Brian Crooke, Founder of Workplace Wellbeing Ireland and The Work Well Institute, to explore how wellbeing champions can bring strategy to life on the ground. Together, they unpack what a wellbeing champion really is (and what they’re not), why peer-led influence is so powerful, and how champion networks help bridge the gap between wellbeing policy and everyday employee experience. The conversation covers how to select, train and support champions, the importance of role clarity and leadership backing, and how to avoid common pitfalls such as overload, lack of structure or tokenism. Drawing on practical examples from organisations across Ireland, including Irish Life and ESB, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance for HR professionals and leaders who want to embed wellbeing in a sustainable, credible and inclusive way - not just as an initiative, but as part of organisational culture. Guests Brian Crooke – Founder, Workplace Wellbeing Ireland & the Work Well Institute Topics include: What wellbeing champions are, and how they differ from mental health first aiders Why peer influence is critical to embedding wellbeing Selecting champions through voluntary, inclusive processes The importance of role clarity, expectations and boundaries Training champions to take ownership and shape their role Supporting champions without overwhelming them Governance, structure and leadership sponsorship of champion networks Measuring impact without turning wellbeing into a tick-box exercise Common mistakes organisations make, and how to avoid them What “good” looks like when a champion network is working well Useful Links & Resources Workplace Wellbeing Ireland – Wellbeing Champion Programmes Workwell Institute – Postgraduate Certificate in Workplace Wellness Insight HR – Workplace Wellbeing Consulting & Support Wellness Works Live Webinar – Designing Your Wellbeing Strategy (February 17) 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. If today’s episode has you thinking about introducing or strengthening a wellbeing champion network in your organisation, you can arrange a confidential consultation with Laura Barry by emailing 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

    35 min

  3. FEB 3

    Ep 256 - Conflict Case Study: David Walliams vs HarperCollins

    Workplace investigations sit at the heart of fairness, trust and accountability in organisations. But when investigations involve high-profile individuals, external parties, or allegations of serious misconduct, the scrutiny can be intense and the risks for employers multiply rapidly if fair procedures are not followed. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Rebecca Bowman, Head of Investigations at Insight HR, to examine a recent high-profile UK case involving HarperCollins and allegations made against author David Walliams. Using what has been publicly reported about the case, they whether the investigation process itself may have been flawed and what HR leaders can learn when managing allegations involving contractors, public figures and non-employees. They unpack the principles of natural justice, the importance of fair procedures, and why speed, secrecy or outcome-driven approaches can expose organisations to legal challenge, reputational damage and loss of trust. The discussion offers practical guidance for HR professionals navigating complex investigations under intense pressure. Guest Rebecca Bowman – Head of Investigations, Insight HR   Topics include: Why workplace investigations must be handled with care — especially in high-profile cases The HarperCollins / David Walliams case and what has been publicly reported Investigating allegations involving contractors, consultants and external parties Employers’ duty of care when employees interact with non-employees What “natural justice” and fair procedures mean in practice Why the right to respond is fundamental to any defensible investigation The risks of outcome-driven or rushed investigations Reputational damage caused by flawed investigation processes Protecting employee wellbeing while ensuring procedural fairness When to involve external investigators in complex or sensitive cases Key non-negotiables for a fair, impartial and robust investigation   Useful Links & Resources Media coverage of the HarperCollins / David Walliams investigation Workplace Investigation Services - Insight HR Workplace Investigations Guide - Insight HR   Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. 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 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges.   About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by The HR Room Podcast, produced by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland and beyond 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.

    39 min

  4. JAN 27

    Wellness Works Ep2: Wellbeing Begins with Leadership

    Workplace wellbeing is often talked about as an HR initiative – but without leadership ownership, even the best programmes struggle to succeed. In this second episode of the Wellness Works mini-series on The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Laura are joined by special guest Stacey Machesney, Head of Health & Wellbeing at Irish Life, to explore why leadership is the true foundation of sustainable workplace wellbeing. Together, they discuss why wellbeing cannot sit with HR alone, the dangers of box‑ticking, and how leadership behaviour, culture and work design shape the real employee experience. They examine the ethical, legal and business risks of getting wellbeing wrong, the growing impact of mental health claims, and the modern challenges leaders now face – from hybrid work and loneliness to neurodiversity and inclusion. From practical guidance on influencing senior leaders to the importance of empathy, training and role‑modelling healthy behaviours, this episode offers clear insights for HR professionals and leaders who want to move beyond surface‑level initiatives and build workplaces where people can truly thrive. Guests • Laura Barry – Head of People Development, Insight HR • Stacey Machesney – Head of Health & Wellbeing, Irish Life Topics include: • Why leadership ownership is essential for effective workplace wellbeing • The risks of leaving wellbeing with HR alone • Box‑ticking and the limits of one‑off initiatives • Leadership behaviour, culture and work design as drivers of wellbeing • Ethical and legal responsibilities around psychological health and safety • The business cost of poor mental health, burnout and presenteeism • Equipping leaders with the skills and confidence to support their teams • Neurodiversity, inclusion and the future of workplace supports • Hybrid work, loneliness and rebuilding social connection at work • How HR can build a strong business case for wellbeing with senior leaders Resources and Links - Wellness Works Webinar: Designing a Wellbeing Programme That Works - Irish Life's Health of the Nation Report 2025 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. If today’s episode has you thinking about leadership and wellbeing in your organisation – whether you’re starting from scratch or strengthening an existing approach – you can arrange a confidential consultation with Laura Barry by emailing 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

    46 min

  5. JAN 20

    Ep 255 - When Redundancies Go Wrong

    Redundancies are one of the most sensitive and high-risk moments in the life of any organisation. When they are mishandled, the consequences can be profound - from reputational damage and industrial action to long-term impacts on trust, morale and employer brand. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by employment law specialist Adrian Twomey, Partner at Jacob & Twomey Solicitors, to unpack what happens when redundancies go wrong. Using a recent high-profile Irish case as a starting point, they explore the legal obligations, human realities and organisational risks involved in collective redundancies. Together, they discuss why empathy matters as much as compliance, how consultation processes shape outcomes, and what HR leaders and managers can do to avoid the worst-case scenario - including strike action, reputational harm and unfair dismissal claims. Guest • Adrian Twomey –Partner, Jacob & Twomey Solicitors Topics include: • Why redundancies are one of the toughest moments for any organisation • What went wrong in the recent Covalen case and what HR leaders can learn from it • Statutory vs enhanced redundancy payments - expectations and realities • What a “good” consultation process really looks like in practice • The legal requirements under collective redundancy legislation • Common risks: unfair dismissal, discrimination claims and reputational damage • The impact of redundancies on morale, trust and organisational culture • Managing anger, fear and resistance during consultation • Supporting managers who must deliver difficult messages • Why empathy, transparency and professionalism are critical to outcomes • How organisations can recover their employer brand after redundancies Useful Links & Resources • Irish Times article on the Covalen redundancy case • Protection of Employment Act 1977 – Collective Redundancies • Insight HR – Redundancy & Restructuring Services 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. Head here for more info on our confidential Redundancy and Restructuring Services.  For confidential HR support, contact info@insighthr.ie 📞 Immediate HR support: 056 770 1060 We love your feedback and we’re always here to support you with your HR challenges. 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.

    45 min

  6. JAN 13

    Wellness Works Ep1: Yoga Mats and Fruit Bowls Aren't Enough

    Workplace wellbeing is a phrase we hear all the time - but what does it actually mean in practice? For some, it’s fruit bowls and yoga mats. For others, it’s leadership, culture, and how work is really experienced day to day. In reality, true workplace wellbeing goes far deeper than perks and initiatives. In this first episode of a new four-part wellbeing mini-series on The HR Room Podcast, Dave is joined by Laura Barry, Head of People Development at Insight HR, to explore what effective workplace wellbeing really looks like, and why so many organisations struggle to get it right. Together, they unpack the difference between reactive wellbeing supports and preventative, strategic approaches. They discuss why culture and work design matter more than one-off initiatives, the risks of treating wellbeing as a “nice to have”, and how organisations can build sustainable systems that support people to thrive - not just cope. From the impact of hybrid work and social disconnection to the growing importance of employer brand and psychological safety, this episode sets the foundation for leaders and HR professionals who want to move beyond surface-level wellbeing and embed it at the core of how their organisations operate. Guests Laura Barry – Head of People Development, Insight HR   Topics include: • Why “workplace wellbeing” is often misunderstood - and what it really means • The limits of perks, programmes and one-off initiatives • The difference between reactive and preventative wellbeing approaches • The “triangle of support” model for sustainable workplace wellbeing • Why culture, leadership behaviour and work design matter most • The risks of getting wellbeing wrong - burnout, disengagement and talent loss • Employer brand, reputation and the growing importance of wellbeing in recruitment • The WHO Healthy Workplace Model as a practical framework for HR teams • Hybrid work, isolation and the rise of emotional fatigue in modern workplaces • What good looks like: embedding wellbeing into strategy, not just activities • Questions HR leaders should be asking about the real employee experience   Useful Links & Resources • World Health Organization – Healthy Workplace Framework • Workplace Wellbeing Ireland   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. If today’s episode has you thinking about how wellbeing is working in your organisation - whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing programme - you can arrange a confidential consultation with Laura Barry by emailing 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

    34 min

  7. JAN 6

    Ep 254 - Ireland's HR Landscape 2026

    As Irish organisations head into 2026, HR leaders are facing a complex mix of challenges - from attracting and retaining talent in an increasingly competitive market, to navigating cost pressures, culture change, and new regulatory demands like the EU Pay Transparency Directive. At the same time, there’s a strong sense of optimism across the profession, with many organisations investing in leadership development, coaching and capability-building for the future. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Liam Barton, (Commercial Director – Insight HR), to unpack the key findings from Insight HR’s brand new report, Ireland’s HR Landscape 2026. They explore what’s really keeping HR leaders awake at night and where the biggest opportunities lie in the year ahead. They discuss why talent attraction and retention remains the number one challenge across every sector, how employee engagement and culture are evolving in a post-pandemic workplace, and why AI, hybrid working and skills-based workforce planning are set to reshape HR practice in Ireland. Guests • Mary Cullen – Founder & Managing Director, Insight HR • Liam Barton – Commercial Director, Insight HR Topics include: • The biggest HR challenges facing Irish businesses in 2026 — and why talent attraction and retention tops the list • How recruitment and retention pressures differ by company size, sector and HR team structure • Why not-for-profits and large enterprises feel the talent squeeze most acutely • The growing challenge of employee engagement, culture change and rising workplace expectations • Cost pressures, tightening budgets and their impact on HR priorities • Confidence levels across HR teams - why most feel cautiously optimistic about 2026 • How prepared Irish organisations really are for the EU Pay Transparency Directive • Where businesses plan to invest in learning and development -from management training to coaching and mentoring • The rise of skills-based workforce planning and internal mobility models • AI in HR: opportunities, risks and the growing debate around recruitment technology • The ongoing tension between return-to-office policies and remote working expectations • Key predictions for HR in 2026 — from pay transparency to auto-enrolment and workforce diversity Useful Links & Resources • Ireland’s HR Landscape 2026 – Insight HR Report    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 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

    1h 15m

  8. 12/23/2025

    The 10 Key HR Insights of 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!

    45 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Insight HR
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The HR Room Podcast

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