The HRLocker Podcast

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Apr 2026

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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.

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April 13, 202632 min

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 With new legislation, increased WRC scrutiny, and rising expectations around transparent record‑keeping, outdated processes make it harder for SMEs to stay protected.In Episode 3 of The HRLocker Room, HRLocker’s CEO, Crystel Robbins Rynne, speaks with Yvonne Clarke, Head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 TopicsWhy 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!

March 4, 202631 min

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 OverviewWhat 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 exploreWhat 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!

January 27, 2026Episode 134 min

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 McDonnellEpisode OverviewIrish 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 topicsWhy 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!

August 28, 202436 min

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!

June 4, 202445 min

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!

April 19, 202423 min

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!

March 25, 202424 min

National Menopause Summit: Driving Change with Sinead McNamara

Welcome to the HRLocker Podcast, we are joined by Sinead McNamara from the National Menopause Summit.In this episode, we dive into menopause, a subject that impacts many yet remains under-discussed in professional circles. Sinead shares details of the upcoming National Menopause Summit at the Aviva Stadium on April 11th and 12th. Emphasising that the event isn't exclusively for women in midlife, but open to anyone interested in understanding peri-menopause and menopause.With her extensive background in media and event management, she sheds light on her own personal menopause journey and the motivation behind creating the summit. We'll explore how menopause can affect women at work and why businesses need to acknowledge and support their employees through this stage. Expect a candid conversation filled with actionable insights, aimed at enhancing, understanding and support for menopausal women in the workplace.We really hope you enjoy!Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!

March 7, 202424 min

Advancing Women in Leadership: The Role of Education and Mentorship with Caroline O'Driscoll

Welcome to HRLocker Podcast, where we bring you conversations with experts in their field.To highlight International Women's Day we were delighted to have Caroline O'Driscoll, partner with Deloitte and co-founder of I Wish as our most recent guest. In this podcast, we had an amazing conversation about women in leadership, the importance of gender diversity in teams and how to increase female representation in the more male-dominated roles.Throughout her career, Caroline had recognised a ‘leaky pipeline’ of young women coming up the ranks in high-ranking jobs. This led her to become one of the I Wish community's founding members, an initiative to motivate teenage girls to embark on STEM careers.Throughout the podcast, Caroline shares the critical challenges and opportunities in increasing female representation in STEM fields, which feeds into creating more gender-diverse teams in organisations. She emphasises the significance of mentorship, the impact of role models, and the essential role that education plays in those formative years. She discusses some recent initiatives she has been involved in, particularly the "180 days to make a difference" mentorship program, which underscores the commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders.This podcast episode offers an in-depth look into Caroline O'Driscoll's professional journey and her influential role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the STEM landscape. Her insights provide valuable perspectives on creating a supportive environment for women in technology and related fields. We really hope you enjoy!Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!

January 19, 202443 min

The New Domestic Violence Leave Policy: What HR Needs To Know

The Government of Ireland has introduced domestic violence leave under the Work-Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.On Monday, 27 November 2023, it became a legal requirement for employers to offer up to five days of paid leave over 12 months to employees affected by domestic violence. It is recommended that employers embed support measures with an organisational response to domestic abuse. In this episode, we are joined by Sarah Benson, CEO of Women's Aid. We will explore the legislation around the new Domestic Violence Leave Policy and the significant role that Women’s Aid played in shaping it. Join us as we dive into this important topic where Sarah will discuss the signs to look for, resources available, and practical strategies to help victims, and learn how HR professionals can make a difference in the lives of their employees. Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!

July 20, 202332 min

New Legislation Updates in Ireland - Unpaid Leave Entitlements

On this podcast episode, we are joined by Terence Morgan, Director of Business Development and Ruairi Guckian, Owner of GHR Consulting. We run through the new legislation updates in Ireland, focusing on the new unpaid leave entitlements under the work-life balance Act 2023. During this show, we mention and discuss unpaid leave for Medical Appointments and Caregiving, extended Breastfeeding Entitlements, anticipated measures for Domestic Violence leave, the right to request Remote or Flexible Working and more.GHR Consulting helps SMEs save on their HR and Recruitment costs by providing policy documents, recruitment and advice.Find out more about what employers need to know about this new legislation, what challenges employers may face, what it means for your organisation and updating policies and handbooks.Would you like to know how HRLocker can help you with your people management in 2024? Click here to get in touch today!