The HR Room Podcast

Hosted by Insight HR

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100

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Aug 2026

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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

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September 8, 2026Episode 29055 min

Ep 283 - HR at the Movies: Send Help

What can a toxic CEO, a disgruntled employee and a desert island teach us about good HR practice? Quite a lot, as it turns out. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Joe Redmond, HR Consultant at Insight HR, for another trip to the movies as they put the workplace practices in 2026's Send Help under the HR microscope. The film follows Linda Liddell, a highly capable but socially awkward corporate strategist who finds herself stranded on a desert island with Bradley Preston – the toxic CEO who has repeatedly undermined her career. As the traditional workplace power dynamic begins to unravel, the film provides plenty of examples of exactly how not to manage people. Using scenes from the film as a jumping-off point, Mary and Joe explore what these situations would look like in a real Irish workplace and what employers and HR professionals should do differently. It's a slightly different – and considerably more cinematic – episode of The HR Room, but behind the desert island, plane crashes and Hollywood drama are some very real lessons about leadership, workplace culture, employee relations and fair process. Because while you hopefully won't find yourself stranded on a desert island with a disgruntled employee anytime soon, the management decisions that got these characters there are much more familiar than you might think. Here are the clips we discuss if you'd like to watch along: Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Clip 4 Clip 5 Topics we cover include: How managers should handle difficult conversations around promotions and career progression The impact of power dynamics and poor management behaviour on employees What to do when an employee claims a colleague is taking credit for their work When undermining, exclusion and belittling behaviour could become a dignity at work issue How HR should approach sensitive conversations around personal hygiene with empathy and privacy Why employers shouldn't make assumptions about the circumstances behind an employee's personal presentation What employers should do when an employee believes they've been unfairly denied a promotion Why formal complaints are often the end result of a much longer series of workplace problems When behaviour outside the physical workplace can still fall within an employer's remit The importance of investigation, disciplinary and appeal processes when dismissal is being considered What fair redundancy consultation and selection should look like in practice Get in Touch If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, we'd love to connect with you . If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, or would like to appear as a guest on The HR Room, contact 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, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues or friends. We're always keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future episodes. For immediate HR support, contact Insight HR on 056 770 1060 or email info@insighthr.ie .

September 1, 2026Episode 28934 min

Ep 282 - Overcoming Burnout and Procrastination

We tend to think of procrastination and productivity problems at work as issues of motivation, discipline or time management. But what if the real barrier preventing someone from getting started is emotional? In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave is joined by Brendan Mahan, internationally recognised ADHD coach, host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast and author of Overcoming the Wall of Awful, to explore why people can sometimes find seemingly straightforward tasks incredibly difficult to begin. Brendan introduces the concept of the “Wall of Awful” – the emotional barrier that can develop between us and tasks we've previously struggled with. Built from experiences of frustration, disappointment, guilt, shame and failure, that wall can make simply getting started feel exhausting. The conversation explores what this means in the workplace, particularly for managers and HR professionals dealing with performance issues, neurodiversity, procrastination and burnout. Brendan explains how changing the conversation from “Why aren't you doing this?” to understanding what's making the task difficult can create a safer and more productive route towards solving the underlying problem. Guest Brendan Mahan — Internationally Recognised ADHD Coach, Host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast & Author of Overcoming the Wall of Awful Topics include: How difficult experiences and emotions create barriers around particular tasks Why recognising and naming those emotional barriers can make them easier to overcome How managers and HR professionals can use the concept when addressing performance issues Why neurodivergent employees may encounter more – and bigger – “Walls of Awful” The workplace behaviours associated with ADHD that managers can easily misinterpret Brendan's five ways people respond to the Wall of Awful Why “smashing through” tasks using anxiety or anger can contribute to burnout How body doubling, music and changing your emotional state can help you get started How high-pressure and “hustle” workplace cultures can make burnout more likely Why compassion, dignity and psychological safety matter when someone is struggling Key Takeaways for HR Don't immediately interpret difficulty as a lack of motivation. Depersonalise the problem. Look at the employee and the environment. Be careful about cultures that reward constantly “pushing through”. Create enough psychological safety for people to solve the problem. Put the problem on the other side of the table. About Brendan's Book Brendan's book, Overcoming the Wall of Awful, is available to buy now . You can also hear more from Brendan on the ADHD Essentials Podcast . Get in Touch If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, we'd love to connect with you . If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, or would like to appear as a guest on The HR Room, contact 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, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues or friends. We're always keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future episodes. For immediate HR support, contact Insight HR on 056 770 1060 or email info@insighthr.ie .

August 25, 2026Episode 28843 min

Ep 281 - When to Train and When to Talk

Training and development can be a powerful tool for improving performance, but not every performance problem is a skills or knowledge problem. Sometimes what an employee really needs isn't another course or LMS module – it's clearer expectations, better feedback, coaching or simply an honest conversation. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary Cullen are joined by Ann Halloran, Talent & Learning Development Professional and author of Helping Others Learn in the Workplace, to explore how managers and HR professionals can distinguish between genuine learning needs and wider performance issues. Together, they discuss why managers can be too quick to reach for training as a solution, the importance of properly diagnosing the cause of underperformance, and why avoiding difficult conversations can allow relatively straightforward issues to become much bigger problems. They also explore what makes workplace learning genuinely effective, how managers can help new skills stick after training, and what organisations can do to create a stronger culture of continuous learning. Guests Ann Halloran — Talent & Learning Development Professional | Author, Helping Others Learn in the Workplace Topics include: How to tell whether poor performance is really a training issue Why managers sometimes use training to avoid difficult conversations Taking a diagnostic approach to performance problems Ann's RIPPLE framework for designing effective workplace learning When performance issues may require a structured performance improvement process The role of mentoring, peer learning, coaching and reflective practice How organisations can create a genuine learning culture Why developing managers is central to improving employee performance and engagement Key Takeaways for HR Diagnose before you prescribe. Before recommending training, establish what's actually preventing someone from performing. Training won't solve unclear expectations, poor motivation, workplace conflict or a manager's reluctance to address an issue directly. Training doesn't end when the course finishes. Managers play a critical role in helping employees transfer learning back into their day-to-day work through reinforcement, accountability, encouragement and ongoing feedback. Don't ask employees to self-diagnose. Giving people access to a large library of LMS modules isn't the same as identifying their development needs. Managers need to be actively involved in understanding where performance or capability gaps exist. Sometimes the answer is a conversation. If someone has the ability to perform but isn't doing so, another training course may achieve very little. Clear, specific and timely feedback can be far more effective. Invest in your managers. Direct line managers have an enormous influence on how employees learn, develop and perform. Organisations that want a genuine learning culture need to equip managers with the communication, feedback, conflict management and performance management skills to support their teams effectively. About Ann's Book Ann's book, Helping Others Learn in the Workplace, is a practical guide designed for managers and trainers who are responsible for helping others learn but may never have been taught how to train effectively themselves. It is available to purchase here . You can get the free checklist we mentioned in the podcast here . Get in Touch If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, we'd love to connect with you . If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, or would like to appear as a guest on The HR Room, contact 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, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues or friends. We're always keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future episodes. For immediate HR support, contact Insight HR on 056 770 1060 or email info@insighthr.ie .

August 18, 2026Episode 28746 min

Ep 280 - The New Role of HR: From Paternalism to Partnership

The relationship between employers and employees is changing. The era of the "job for life" has long since disappeared, but so too is the more recent model where organisations sought to become a source of identity, community, purpose and even care for their employees. With AI accelerating change, economic uncertainty increasing and the balance of power shifting once again, the psychological contract between organisations and their people is being rewritten. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary Cullen are joined by Deirdre Donovan, HR Strategist & Speaker, to explore what this means for the future role of HR. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, including roles with Diageo and Meta, Deirdre argues that HR now has an opportunity to move organisations away from paternalism and towards a more mature partnership with employees. From the rise and retreat of lavish employee benefits to return-to-office mandates, AI, job security and changing expectations around workplace culture, the conversation examines why HR may be more important than ever. Rather than simply managing processes, HR has a critical role to play in helping employees make sense of change, building organisational capability and creating honest, adult-to-adult relationships between employers and their people. Guest: Deirdre Donovan — HR Strategist & Speaker Topics include: Why the traditional psychological contract between employers and employees is changing How we've moved from the era of the "job for life" to a much more uncertain employment relationship Whether organisations went too far in becoming a source of identity, community and care for employees How the war for talent transformed employee expectations and workplace culture Why return-to-office mandates have tested trust between employers and employees How AI is changing jobs, skills and the role of HR Why HR needs to help employees make sense of rapid organisational change The move from workplace paternalism towards a more mature partnership with employees Why honest, transparent communication becomes even more important during uncertainty How HR can build the skills and capabilities organisations will need for an AI-enabled future Key Takeaways for HR Leaders The psychological contract has changed. Organisations need to be realistic and transparent about what employees can expect from the employment relationship. HR should aim for an adult-to-adult partnership with employees, built around clear expectations, frequent feedback, dignity and honest communication. AI will change many jobs, but that makes human skills such as communication, judgement, empathy and leadership even more important. HR has a vital role in sense-making — helping employees understand change, translating organisational priorities and ensuring communication flows effectively throughout the business. Organisations shouldn't simply use AI as an opportunity to reduce headcount. Its greater potential lies in augmenting work, removing administrative burden and enabling people to focus on higher-value activities. Treating employees with dignity, respect and transparency during good times makes organisations better equipped to navigate difficult periods of change. Rather than making HR less relevant, the AI revolution could make HR one of the most pivotal functions in helping organisations successfully navigate the future of work. Get in Touch If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, we'd love to connect with you . If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, or would like to appear as a guest on The HR Room, contact 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, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues or friends. We're always keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future episodes. For immediate HR support, contact Insight HR on 056 770 1060 or email info@insighthr.ie .

August 11, 2026Episode 28639 min

[REWIND] Ep 124 - Managing Underperformance

This week, we are republishing one of our most popular episodes from The HR Room Podcast. This episode was first published on Jun 27, 2023. Across the month of July, we’ll be talking all things performance management, looking at best practices, employer stories, new approaches and common challenges. So to round off June, and set us up for next month, we’re going to discuss one of the most obvious performance challenges for HR teams and employers everywhere, managing underperformance. How do we manage an employee who is performing poorly, how can we help, what are our obligations, and what are our options? And to talk to us about this on episode 124 of The HR Room Podcast, we’re delighted to be joined by Liam Barton, Senior HR Consultant here at Insight HR. 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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business. For show notes, go to www.InsightHR.ie/Podcast . If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR. Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland , we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing. Visit us at www.InsightHR.ie .

August 4, 2026Episode 28538 min

[REWIND] Ep 191 - Managing a Disciplinary Hearing

For the next two weeks, we will be republishing some of our most popular episodes from The HR Room Podcast. This episode was first published on Oct 8, 2024. Today, we're diving into one of the more challenging and often nerve-wracking aspects of HR—managing a workplace disciplinary hearing. It’s a process that, when not handled properly, can lead to unnecessary stress, strained relationships, and even legal challenges. But it doesn’t have to be that way. So, in this episode, to guide us through these complex procedures, outline best practices, common pitfalls, and how to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the process, we’re joined by our very own Joe Thompson, HR Consultant here at Insight HR. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Disciplinary Hearing Process 06:30 Common Pitfalls in Disciplinary Hearings 13:14 The Importance of Structured Policies 19:53 Employee Rights and Obligations 25:53 Maintaining Impartiality in Disciplinary Processes 32:51 Key Takeaways for Conducting Fair Hearings

July 28, 2026Episode 28444 min

[REWIND] Ep 132 - How to manage: Workplace Investigations

For the next few weeks, we will be republishing some of our most popular episodes from The HR Room Podcast. This episode was first published on Aug 22, 2023. The demand for investigations in the workplace is constantly growing. Misconduct is taking place in workplaces, leaving HR teams and organisations with the task of tackling a workplace investigation. But given the time, complexity and seriousness of the issues, this is a big challenge for all involved. So how do you do it, what should you look out for, and where should you go for help? To answer this question and many more, we’re joined again by Liam Barton, Senior HR Consultant here at Insight HR. 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 on how to create the HR systems and workplace culture that's right for your business. For show notes, go to www.InsightHR.ie/Podcast . If you need any HR support in Ireland, get in touch with us at Insight HR. Whether it's conducting a complex workplace investigation, filling a gap by providing you with a virtual or an onsite HR resource, or providing advice via our HR support line, as an expert HR consultancy in Ireland , we'll help you resolve whatever Human Resources challenge your business is facing. Visit us at www.InsightHR.ie .

July 21, 2026Episode 28354 min

Ep 279 - Why Human Connection at Work is Under Threat

Bridging the Connection Gap: Why Work Feels More Disconnected Than Ever We've never had more ways to communicate at work, yet many employees have never felt more disconnected. With hybrid working now firmly established, organisations are grappling with a new challenge: how do you build genuine human connection when work has become increasingly digital, transactional and fragmented? In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary Cullen are joined by Scott McInnes, Founder of Inspiring Change, to discuss the findings of his latest research report, Bridging the Connection Gap. Together they explore why workplace connection has become one of the biggest cultural challenges facing organisations today, what hybrid working has changed, and how leaders can intentionally create environments where people feel connected, engaged and able to do their best work. From overloaded calendars and endless Teams meetings to generational differences, leadership capability and the unintended consequences of technology, the conversation examines what organisations need to rethink if they want connection to become a genuine competitive advantage rather than simply another HR buzzword. Guest: Scott McInnes — Founder, Inspiring Change Topics include: Why workplace connection has become one of the biggest challenges facing modern organisations The findings from the Bridging the Connection Gap research report How hybrid working has changed relationships between employees and organisations Why busyness and back-to-back meetings are eroding meaningful connection The difference between digital communication and genuine human connection How technology can both enable and undermine workplace relationships The importance of intentional leadership in building connected teams Why managers need better support and development to lead effectively in hybrid environments Key Takeaways for HR Leaders Connection is not a "nice to have"—it underpins trust, collaboration, wellbeing and performance. Hybrid working requires intentional design rather than simply asking people to return to the office. Busyness and constant digital communication are crowding out meaningful human interaction. Great workplace cultures are built through conversations, not surveys alone. Leaders and managers play a critical role in creating opportunities for genuine connection. Technology should support relationships, not replace them. Resources Mentioned The Resources page Scott mentioned can be found here . This contains a link to the report and more details about Inspiring Change and the Building Better Cultures Podcast. Get in Touch If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, we'd love to connect with you . If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, or would like to appear as a guest on The HR Room, contact 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, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues or friends. We're always keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future episodes. For immediate HR support, contact Insight HR on 056 770 1060 or email info@insighthr.ie .

July 14, 2026Episode 28245 min

Ep 278 - Creating a Bully-Free Culture

Every organisation wants to provide a workplace where people feel respected, safe and valued. Yet despite widespread awareness, robust policies and increased reporting, workplace bullying and incivility continue to undermine employee wellbeing, engagement and organisational performance. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Liam Barton (Commercial Director - Insight HR) are joined by Dr. Renee Thompson, CEO and Founder of the Healthy Workforce Institute, to explore why workplace bullying remains such a persistent challenge and what organisations can do to build healthier workplace cultures where respect becomes the norm rather than the exception. Guests Liam Barton — Commercial Director, Insight HR Renee Thompson — CEO & Founder, Healthy Workforce Institute Topics include: Why workplace bullying continues despite increased awareness The difference between bullying and workplace incivility Why senior leaders often have the greatest influence on workplace culture Common mistakes organisations make when responding to bullying complaints Why policies alone are not enough to prevent workplace bullying The importance of training managers to recognise and address inappropriate behaviour Building a culture where difficult conversations happen early The relationship between psychological safety, respect and employee engagement Key Takeaways for HR Leaders Workplace bullying is no longer primarily an awareness issue—it's an execution issue. Organisations must clearly distinguish between bullying and lower-level workplace incivility. Policies are essential, but culture is shaped by everyday behaviours and leadership actions. Managers need the confidence and skills to address inappropriate behaviour promptly. Leadership commitment is critical to creating psychologically safe workplaces. Employees are more likely to report concerns when they trust the organisation will act fairly. Respect, trust and open communication are stronger drivers of engagement than perks alone. Resources Mentioned Insight HR Irish Workplace Bullying Report 2026 Healthy Workforce Institute Healthy Workforce Culture Framework Enough! Eradicate Bullying & Incivility in Healthcare: Strategies for Front Line Leaders Get in Touch If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, we'd love to connect with you . If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, or would like to appear as a guest on The HR Room, contact 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, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues or friends. We're always keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future episodes. For immediate HR support, contact Insight HR on 056 770 1060 or email info@insighthr.ie.

July 7, 2026Episode 28149 min

Ep 277 - How to Build Resilience in HR

HR professionals are often the people organisations turn to during their most difficult moments. Whether managing restructures, navigating conflict, supporting employee wellbeing or leading organisational change, HR is expected to remain calm, objective and resilient. Yet, the emotional toll of the profession itself is rarely discussed. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Jennifer Dolan, Head of People & Culture at Nucleo, to explore why resilience has become one of the most important skills for HR professionals, and how practitioners can build careers that are both successful and sustainable. The conversation examines the unique pressures facing HR leaders today, from managing redundancy processes and difficult employee relations issues to balancing organisational priorities with genuine care for people. Jennifer shares her own deeply personal career experiences, including being dismissed early in her HR career, managing collective redundancies that affected her own role, and navigating career transitions through the uncertainty of the pandemic. Together, they discuss how HR professionals can recognise burnout, separate their identity from their job title, build meaningful professional relationships, and develop the resilience needed to thrive through constant organisational change. Guest Jennifer Dolan — Head of People & Culture, Nucleo Topics include: Why resilience has become a critical skill for modern HR professionals The emotional demands of supporting organisations through change and uncertainty Why HR professionals often carry invisible emotional burdens Leading redundancy processes while your own role is at risk Recognising when it's time to move on from an organisation The importance of building trusted HR networks and peer support The role of empathy, honesty and dignity during challenging workplace conversations Creating long-term resilience without sacrificing wellbeing Key Takeaways for HR Leaders Resilience isn't about avoiding difficult situations—it's about learning and growing through them. HR professionals often carry significant emotional responsibility that can go unseen by others. Career setbacks can become defining moments that strengthen leadership and self-awareness. Strong professional networks provide invaluable support during difficult periods. It's important to separate your identity from your job title or organisation. Sometimes changing your environment is the healthiest career decision you can make. Difficult conversations should always be handled with honesty, empathy and dignity Organisations change constantly—building adaptability is essential for long-term career success. Get in Touch If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, we'd love to connect with you . If you have suggestions for future podcast episodes, or would like to appear as a guest on The HR Room, contact 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, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with colleagues or friends. We're always keen to hear your feedback and suggestions for future episodes. For immediate HR support, contact Insight HR on 056 770 1060 or email info@insighthr.ie.