The HR Room Podcast

• Episode 249 - How to 'Future-Skill' Your Organisation

  Ireland has ranked 33rd out of 35 in the latest Hays Global Talent Tracker - but what does that really mean? And more importantly, what does it mean for you and your business? In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we dive into the realities of Ireland’s current talent market, the challenges highlighted by the Global Talent Tracker, and what HR and business leaders can start doing today to prepare for 2030 and beyond. Dave is joined by Barney Ely, Senior Managing Director at Hays Ireland & Northern Ireland, and John Clere, founder of Unmake, to explore Ireland’s talent landscape - from labour market strengths and skills gaps to the critical human capabilities that will define the future of work. Together, they break down where Ireland is performing well, where improvement is needed, and how organisations can build adaptable, future-ready teams in a world being reshaped by AI. Guests Barney Ely – Senior Managing Director, Hays Ireland & Northern Ireland John Cleere – Founder, Unmake Topics include: Ireland’s Ranking in the Hays Global Talent Tracker Ireland’s Strengths: Innovation, STEM Capability & Workforce Participation The Skills That Will Matter Most by 2030 Resilience, Adaptability & Creative Thinking as “Survival Skills” How AI Is Reshaping Workforce Planning How HR Can Build Cultures of Curiosity, Collaboration & Continuous Learning The Importance of Future Thinking, Tacit Knowledge & Communities of Practice Retention in 2025: Why It’s More About the Mind Than the Wallet Recruitment Strategy: How to Work Better with Your Hiring Partners Resources: Hays Global Talent Tracker – full interactive report & PDF World Economic Forum – Future of Jobs 2030 Living Knowledge Workshops by Unmake Book: Mastering Uncertainty by Matt Watkinson Book: A New Way to Think by Roger Martin Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have any suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn. About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is a series from Insight HR, where we talk to business leaders and HR professionals from around Ireland about the topics that matter most to people leaders today. If you’re enjoying the episodes, please share them with colleagues and friends — and leave us a review! We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re also here to help with any HR challenges you may have. Requests, feedback and guest suggestions 👉 HR Room Podcast Requests Immediate support on your HR challenge 👉 056 770 1060 or [email protected]

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• Episode 248 - Fit for Purpose? Why Everyone Dreads Performance Reviews

  Performance management has been a cornerstone of HR for decades - but is it still doing what it’s meant to do? In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of performance management - the processes, the pain points, and the possibilities for change. Are traditional appraisal systems still fit for purpose in today’s workplaces? What’s working, what’s not, and how do both managers and employees really feel after going through them? In this episode, Dave and Mary are joined by Crystel Robbins Rynne, Chief Operating Officer at HR Locker, to unpack what’s wrong with the old performance review model - and what needs to change. Together, they explore how to turn reviews from a once-a-year box-ticking exercise into a continuous, constructive process that supports both managers and employees.   Guests Crystel Robbins Rynne – Chief Operating Officer, HRLocker   Topics include Why Traditional Performance Reviews Aren’t Working The Shift from Annual Appraisals to Continuous Feedback How to Equip Managers with Real People-Management Skills Separating Pay Conversations from Performance Conversations How Technology Can Support (but Not Replace) Human Interaction Creating a Culture of Regular Check-Ins and Coaching The Future of Performance Management in the Age of AI   References HR Locker – HR Software for People-Centric Organisations Insight HR Training & Development – Soft Skills & Manager Training   Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have any suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.   About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is a series from Insight HR, where we talk to business leaders and HR professionals from around Ireland about the topics that matter most to people leaders today. If you’re enjoying the episodes, please share them with colleagues and friends — and leave us a review! We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re also here to help with any HR challenges you may have. Requests, feedback and guest suggestions 👉 HR Room Podcast Requests Immediate support on your HR challenge 👉 056 770 1060 or [email protected]      

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• Episode 247 - Closing the Gap: Pay Transparency & Gender Pay Gap Reporting

  With the EU Pay Transparency Directive on the horizon and gender pay gap reporting obligations expanding to more Irish employers, how can organisations prepare for the changes - and ensure they’re creating fair, equitable workplaces for all? In this episode, Dave and Mary are joined by Anita Whyte Moran, founder and host of The Femcast podcast, to explore the evolving landscape of gender equality in Ireland. Together, they discuss the state of play for women in leadership, what pay transparency really means for employers, and how culture and psychological safety play critical roles in achieving real equality.   Guests: Anita Whyte Moran – Founder & Host of The Femcast   Topics include: Gender Pay Gap Reporting in 2025 – What Employers Need to Know The Upcoming EU Pay Transparency Directive (2026) The Changing Landscape of Gender Equality in Irish Workplaces Visibility, Support & Psychological Safety for Women at Work Moving Beyond Box-Ticking: Creating Meaningful DEI Change The Role of HR in Influencing Gender Equity from Within Fertility, Family, and the Hidden Barriers to Progression How Equal Parental Leave Could Drive True Equality Generational Shifts and the Future of Workplace Culture   References CSO Gender Balance in Business Survey 2025 The Femcast – Hosted by Anita Whyte Moran The HR Room Webinar: Bullying at Work – How to Take Effective Action   Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have any suggestions on what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, then do reach out to Dave at [email protected] or on LinkedIn here.   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 what's important to you as a HR professional, an employer or people leader.  If you are enjoying these episodes, do please feel free to share them with colleagues, friends and family. And even better, if you can leave us a review, we’d really appreciate it! We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re also here to help with any HR challenges you may have! Requests, feedback and guest suggestions 👉 HR Room Podcast Requests Immediate support on your HR challenge 👉 0567701060 or [email protected]

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• Episode 246 - Fake Facts, Real Consequences: The AI Authority Problem

  When artificial intelligence speaks with confidence - but gets the facts wrong - what happens next? And how do you reduce the risk and spot fake facts? In this episode, Dave and Mary explore the growing “AI authority problem”: our tendency to believe confidently delivered misinformation. Prompted by a recent case where AI-generated legal papers by a Ryanair employee derailed a €170,000 WRC claim, we unpack what happens when “fake facts” reach real-world settings like boardrooms, and HR departments.   Guests: Adrian Twomey, a Partner at Jacob and Twomey Solicitors LLP and employment law specialist Edmund Sutcliffe, Prinicpal at considrd consulting   Topics include: The Rise of AI Hallucinations in Legal Submissions Understanding AI Authority and Misinformation The Importance of Critical Thinking in AI Usage Human Oversight in AI Applications The Future of AI in Legal Practices Bias and Trust in AI Systems The Role of Doubt in Decision Making Critical Thinking in Workplace Investigations AI's Impact on HR Practices Consequences of AI in Legal Proceedings The Human Element in AI Decisions Key Takeaways for AI in HR   References “Ryanair flight attendant used alleged AI-generated legal papers in €170,000 discrimination claim, WRC hears” – The Irish Times The HR Room – Ep 241 – AI in HR: The Promise, The Peril & The Possibilities AI Critical Thinking for Smarter AI Engagement – A training course that Edmund has developed   Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have any suggestions on what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, then do reach out to Dave at [email protected] or on LinkedIn here.   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 what's important to you as a HR professional, an employer or people leader.  If you are enjoying these episodes, do please feel free to share them with colleagues, friends and family. And even better, if you can leave us a review, we’d really appreciate it! We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re also here to help with any HR challenges you may have! Requests, feedback and guest suggestions 👉 HR Room Podcast Requests Immediate support on your HR challenge 👉 0567701060 or [email protected]

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• Episode 245 - The Hidden Cost of Workplace Bullying

  In this episode of The HR Room, we uncover the hidden cost of bullying at work - from its devastating impact on mental health and morale to the massive financial and reputational losses organizations often overlook. Hosts Mary Cullen (Founder, Managing Director – Insight HR) and Dave Corkery (Content & Social Media Lead – Insight HR) are joined by Catherine Jane O’Rourke (Employment Law Senior Associate at Hayes Solicitors) We unpack how bullying festers in modern workplaces, why policies often fail to stop it, and what leaders can do to create truly safe and respectful environments. We explore its legal definitions, the significant financial and invisible costs to businesses, and the importance of having effective policies and training in place to prevent bullying. Webinar: Bullying at Work – How to Take Effective Action In our October HR Room webinar, Dave will be joined by Joe Thompson (Head of HR Services – Insight HR) and Dr. Jen Fraser, PhD (Author of The Bullied Brain). You’ll hear practical strategies for identifying, preventing and responding to bullying in the workplace – from understanding legal responsibilities, to how to implement clear policies and foster a culture of respect. Taking place at 11.15am on Wednesday October 29th. Register here, don’t miss your spot!   Get in touch If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, you can do that here. If you have any suggestions on what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, then do reach out to Dave at [email protected] or on LinkedIn here.   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 what's important to you as a HR professional, an employer or people leader.  If you are enjoying these episodes, do please feel free to share them with colleagues, friends and family. And even better, if you can leave us a review, we’d really appreciate it! We love your feedback, we take requests, and we’re also here to help with any HR challenges you may have! Requests, feedback and guest suggestions 👉 HR Room Podcast Requests Immediate support on your HR challenge 👉 0567701060 or [email protected] What our clients say 👉 Insight HR & SIKA Ireland Limited

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