The HR Room Podcast

Insight HR
  • 3.0 (2)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    Ep 275 - Beyond Our Borders: What Global Workplace Cultures Can Teach Us

    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.

    43 min

  2. Jun 16

    Ep 274 - The Importance of Being Human in the Age of AI

    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.

    57 min

  3. Jun 9

    Ep 273 - The Working Mind: Building Healthier Workplaces

    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

    47 min

  4. Jun 2

    Ep 272 - How Heineken Built a People-First Culture

    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   Subscribe to The HR Room wherever you get your podcasts to stay up to date with the latest HR insights, workplace trends and expert discussions.

    55 min

  5. May 26

    Ep 271 - The Hidden Habits Impacting Women at Work

    Despite significant progress around gender equality in the workplace, many women still face internal and external barriers that can impact their confidence, visibility, and career progression. From self-doubt and imposter syndrome to difficulties promoting achievements and building influence, certain workplace habits can quietly hold talented professionals back from reaching their full potential. At the same time, organisations have an important role to play in creating environments where people feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to contribute confidently. Through coaching, leadership development, psychological safety, and inclusive workplace practices, employers can help individuals overcome these barriers and thrive. In this episode of The HR Room, we explore the hidden habits that can impact women at work and what both individuals and organisations can do to build confidence, visibility, and leadership capability. We discuss practical strategies for overcoming self-limiting behaviours, the importance of workplace culture, and why creating opportunities for women to progress remains a business-critical priority. Hosts Dave Corkery and Mary Cullen are joined by special guest Gillian McGrath, Executive Coach and Founder of Change Grow Succeed.  Guests Mary Cullen — Founder & Managing Director, Insight HR Gillian McGrath — Executive Coach & Founder, Change Grow Succeed Topics Include: The importance of building allies, networks, and workplace visibility How minimising language and behaviours can undermine confidence Rumination, overthinking, and analysis paralysis in the workplace What imposter syndrome really is  The six common symptoms of imposter syndrome The relationship between perfectionism, procrastination, and self-doubt Psychological safety and creating environments where people feel comfortable speaking up Practical ways to build confidence and develop everyday courage The impact of flexible working, transparency, and inclusive workplace practices How pay transparency and gender equity initiatives can support women's progression Key Takeaways: Many of the challenges associated with imposter syndrome are more common than people realise. Building strong workplace relationships and allies is critical for career progression. Organisations that invest in targeted development programmes often see greater representation of women in leadership positions. Psychological safety plays a vital role in helping people learn, contribute, and progress. Creating equitable systems and transparent pathways to advancement benefits everyone in the workplace. Resources & Links: Change Grow Succeed Insight HR Catch up on Insight HR's webinar: Preparing for Pay Transparency – Why Job Evaluation Matters: Insight HR Events & Webinars 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

    47 min

  6. May 19

    Ep 270 - HR at the Movies: The Devil Wears Prada 2

    Back in 2006, The Devil Wears Prada introduced audiences to one of cinema’s most iconic workplace bosses: Miranda Priestly. At the time, her leadership style -demanding, authoritarian and often toxic - felt strangely familiar to many people working in corporate environments. But nearly twenty years later, workplace culture has changed dramatically, and we see that play out in cinemas at the moment with the movie's sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, hosts Dave Corkery and Mary Cullen are joined by Insight HR consultants Aoife Dolan and Joe Redmond, to explore how The Devil Wears Prada and its sequel reflect the evolution of leadership, workplace expectations and employee rights over the past two decades. Guests • Aoife Dolan — HR Consultant, Insight HR • Joe Redmond — HR Consultant, Insight HR Topics include: • How The Devil Wears Prada reflects workplace culture in 2006 versus today • Miranda Priestly’s leadership style and the evolution of toxic workplace behaviours • Generational shifts in expectations around work-life balance, wellbeing and psychological safety • The impact of social media, Glassdoor and public WRC decisions on employer reputation • Why employees today are more willing to raise grievances and speak up about toxic behaviour • The relationship between pressure, burnout and workplace conflict • The importance of psychological safety in creating healthy, high-performing workplaces Key Takeaways for HR Leaders • Toxic leadership styles may still exist — but employees are increasingly willing to challenge them. • Psychological safety and dignity at work are now essential expectations, not optional extras. • Generational shifts are changing attitudes toward work-life balance, wellbeing and leadership. • Organisations that ignore toxic behaviour risk reputational damage, retention issues and increased complaints. • High performance should never excuse bullying, harassment or inappropriate conduct. • Employer reputation is more exposed than ever through social media, Glassdoor reviews and public WRC cases. • HR teams play a critical role in coaching leaders, addressing poor behaviour and shaping healthy cultures. Referenced Episodes and Resources • Episode 263 — Generational Differences in the Workplace with Dr Mary Collins • Episode 261 — Neurodiversity & Psychological Safety in the Workplace • Workplace Bullying Webinar featuring Adrian Twomey • Insight HR Workplace Investigations 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

    51 min

  7. May 12

    Ep 269 - Preparing for Pay Transparency: Why Job Evaluation Matters

    The EU Pay Transparency Directive is fast approaching and despite widespread confusion, it has not been delayed in Ireland. While there may be some leniency around enforcement in the early stages, organisations are still expected to take meaningful steps towards compliance before June 2026. One of the most important (and often overlooked) elements of preparation is the implementation of a robust job evaluation framework. Without clear and defensible pay structures, employers may struggle to justify pay differences once transparency obligations come into force. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we explore what HR leaders need to know about job evaluation frameworks, why they matter now, and how organisations can begin preparing for a major cultural shift in how pay decisions are made and communicated. Guests Joe Thompson — Head of HR Services, Insight HR Topics include: Common misconceptions about implementation timelines and enforcement Why job evaluation frameworks are becoming essential Understanding “work of equal value” and equal pay obligations How legacy pay structures can create legal and employee relations risks Why transparency will reshape workplace culture and pay conversations Challenges HR teams may face when implementing job evaluation processes Practical first steps organisations can take to prepare now Key Takeaways for HR Leaders Job evaluation frameworks provide the foundation for fair, evidence-based pay decisions. Transparency obligations will increase employee confidence in questioning pay inequities. Legacy pay decisions and inconsistent salary structures may create legal and cultural risks. Equal pay obligations extend beyond gender and may expose broader workplace inequities. Job evaluation focuses on the value of the role, not the performance of the individual. HR leaders should engage senior leadership teams early and secure budget/resources now. Organisations that act early will strengthen trust, fairness, and employer reputation. Seeking expert support can help organisations navigate a complex and evolving area of compliance. Webinar For more on this topic, register for our webinar on 26th May, where Joe will be joined by employment law expert Síobhra Rush - partner at Lewis Silkin Ireland.  Resources The EU Pay Transparency Directive: Implications for Irish Businesses FAQs: The EU Pay Transparency Directive 2026 The HR Room Ep 260 - The EU Pay Transparency Directive: Everything You Need to Know Contact Us 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

    39 min

  8. May 7

    Ep 268 - Workplace Inclusion: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

    When we talk about diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, it’s easy to focus on metrics, reporting, and representation targets. But what happens when the data improves — and yet employees from underrepresented groups still don’t feel fully included at work? In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we explore the latest findings from Elevate, the Inclusive Workplace Pledge led by Business in the Community Ireland. The conversation examines the gap between progress on paper and the lived experiences of employees across Irish workplaces. Mary and Dave are joined by special guest Richa Tyagi, who leads the Elevate campaign at Business in the Community Ireland. Together, they discuss how organisations can drive meaningful, structural change around inclusion, belonging and equity.   Guest Richa Tyagi — Lead, Elevate Inclusive Workplace Pledge, Business in the Community Ireland   Topics include: Why diversity data collection matters The gap between representation metrics and lived employee experience Structural barriers in recruitment, progression and leadership pathways ender representation and the challenges women face progressing to senior leadership roles Systemic barriers facing Ireland’s Traveller community in education and employment Progress and challenges for LGBTQI+ inclusion in Irish workplaces The role HR leaders can play in driving organisational change and accountability Upcoming pay transparency legislation and its impact on workplace equality Why leadership ownership and evidence-based action are essential for meaningful progress   Key Takeaways for HR Leaders Collecting diversity data is important — but organisations must use it to drive action and decision-making. Inclusion must be embedded at leadership and board level, not treated as a standalone HR initiative. Psychological safety is essential if employees are to feel comfortable disclosing aspects of their identity. Organisations should examine where underrepresented groups are being filtered out of progression pathways. Structural inequality remains a major issue for Ireland’s Traveller community and requires proactive action from employers. HR leaders must challenge assumptions, address bias and advocate for accountability at senior leadership level. Resources The Elevate Pledge 2026 Annual Report More about Elevate: The Inclusive Workplace Pledge More about Business in the Community 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. To learn more about Elevate and the Inclusive Workplace Pledge, visit Business in the Community Ireland.   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 hearing 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

    57 min
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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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