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.

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If you have 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.

To learn more about Elevate and the Inclusive Workplace Pledge, visit Business in the Community Ireland.

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.

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Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues — from back pain to joint and muscle injuries — are one of the most widespread and costly health challenges affecting today’s workforce. While often overlooked or accepted as inevitable, these conditions are having a significant impact on employee wellbeing, absenteeism, and organisational performance.

In fact, research suggests that up to 64% of desk-based employees may be experiencing some form of MSK pain at any given time — contributing to lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and long-term absence.

Despite this, many organisations are sitting still on this issue, taking a reactive approach — addressing issues only when employees are already in pain or unable to work. But as costs continue to rise, particularly in healthcare and insurance, this model is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

In this episode of The HR Room, we explore how organisations can shift from reactive to proactive strategies when it comes to musculoskeletal health. We discuss the role of HR in prevention, the importance of data and business cases, and how organisations can design work and wellbeing strategies that truly support employees.

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If you have suggestions for future episodes or would like to be a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

To learn more about Dr. Shane Lowe and Vitrue Health, visit vitruehealth.com.

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.

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Rising geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflict between Iran and the US are continuing to create volatility in global energy markets — and while recent government measures have brought some reduction in fuel prices, uncertainty remains in Ireland.

In recent weeks, there have been reports of fuel shortages at pumps, alongside rising costs that are placing real pressure on both employees and employers. What may seem like a global issue is now creating immediate, day-to-day challenges for businesses — from employees struggling to get to work, to increased operational costs and reduced customer footfall in certain sectors.

HR teams are increasingly at the forefront of responding to these challenges. Employers must carefully balance business continuity with employee support, while also being mindful of the legal and employee relations implications of any decisions made.

In this episode of The HR Room, we explore how organisations can respond to the current fuel crisis — from understanding the risks to implementing practical solutions. We’ll discuss workforce impacts, cost-saving measures, flexible working strategies, and longer-term approaches to building resilience in how employees commute.

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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.

Immediate HR support 👉 056 770 1060 or [email protected]

As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in everyday work, a new concern is emerging: are we becoming overly reliant on it? In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Dr. Ryne Sherman, Chief Science Officer at Hogan Assessments, to explore the concept of the “AI zombie” — and what it could mean for the future of work.

The conversation examines how increasing dependence on AI tools may be reducing critical thinking, decision-making, and cognitive engagement in the workplace. Ryne explains that while AI offers clear productivity benefits, there is a growing risk that employees may begin to “switch off” mentally, delegating too much responsibility to technology.

Mary highlights real-world examples of AI misuse, including legal cases where individuals relied on AI-generated information without verifying its accuracy. Together, the panel explores how these behaviours could translate into organisational risks — from poor decision-making to reduced capability development.

A central theme throughout the discussion is balance: AI should act as a co-pilot, not an autopilot. The episode emphasises the importance of maintaining human judgment, curiosity, and critical thinking, even as AI becomes more advanced and accessible.

The discussion also explores leadership, learning, and organisational responsibility — highlighting how HR leaders must ensure that technology enhances, rather than replaces, essential human skills.

• Dr. Ryne Sherman — Chief Science Officer, Hogan Assessments

• What the term “AI zombie” means and why it’s gaining attention

• AI should enhance human capability — not replace critical thinking.

If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do.

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.

Immediate HR support 👉 056 770 1060 or [email protected]

Organisational strategy often looks clear on paper — but translating that strategy into a structure that actually works in practice is where many organisations struggle. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by returning guest John Kennedy, Head of HR Organisational Development at Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), to explore how HR leaders can move from high-level strategy to effective, real-world organisational design.

The conversation examines why structure is not just an operational detail, but a critical enabler of strategy. John highlights the importance of alignment — ensuring coordination, coherence and communication across the organisation — while Mary emphasises the risks of poorly thought-through changes, including unintended consequences and organisational friction.

Together, they explore the realities of organisational change, from the need for continuous adaptation (rather than one-off transformation) to the human challenges that often derail even the most well-planned initiatives. The discussion blends practical insight with real-world experience, including examples from Irish Rail’s large-scale transformation and investment programmes.

A key theme throughout the episode is that successful organisational design is not just about structure — it’s about people. From gaining buy-in and addressing resistance to understanding the psychology behind change, HR leaders play a central role in ensuring that strategy translates into meaningful outcomes.

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 [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

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 [email protected]

Gen Z are rapidly becoming the most influential generation in the workplace — and by 2035, they are expected to be the largest cohort in the workplace globally. Raised in a fully digital world and shaped by economic uncertainty, global crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, they bring distinct expectations around work, wellbeing and career development.

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Dr Mary Collins, Chartered Psychologist at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, alongside Insight HR’s own Aoife Dolan, representing Gen Z in practice. Together, they explore the defining characteristics of this generation, combining academic research with lived workplace experience.

The conversation highlights how Gen Z prioritises purpose, flexibility and wellbeing over traditional career paths. From job mobility and side hustles to their expectations of leadership and workplace culture, the discussion offers valuable insights into how organisations can better attract, engage and retain this emerging workforce.

The episode also explores challenges — including rising loneliness, lower stress tolerance and the impact of social media — while emphasising the importance of intentional workplace design, multi-generational collaboration and innovative practices like reverse mentoring. Ultimately, Gen Z are not just changing the workplace — they are reshaping what work means.

If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do.

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.

Immediate HR support 👉 056 770 1060 or [email protected]

Playfulness at work is often misunderstood as being unprofessional or distracting — yet growing research shows that adopting a more playful mindset can enhance psychological safety, boost creativity and improve team performance.

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by Kelsey Kates, founder of Playfully Works and former Global Head of Learning Experiences at Google. Kelsey shares insights from neuroscience, leadership development and workplace culture to explain why playfulness is not about games or forced fun — but about mindset, curiosity and openness.

Together, they explore how leaders can intentionally create space for experimentation, connection and learning. From purposeful meeting openers and humour to creative problem-solving tools like LEGO and storytelling, the discussion highlights practical ways HR leaders and managers can embed playfulness into everyday work.

The conversation also addresses common scepticism around workplace play, emphasising the importance of psychological safety, authentic leadership and balancing serious responsibilities with moments of lightness and human connection. Ultimately, playfulness is positioned as a powerful enabler of engagement, resilience and innovation in modern organisations.

If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do.

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.

Immediate HR support 👉 056 770 1060 or [email protected]

Neurodiversity is increasingly recognised as a natural and valuable part of workforce diversity — but many organisations are still unsure how to translate awareness into meaningful workplace change.

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave is joined by returning guest Stacey Machesney, Head of Health & Wellbeing at Irish Life, and Joe Redmond, HR Consultant at Insight HR. Both guests share their personal experiences as neurodivergent professionals alongside practical guidance for HR leaders seeking to create more inclusive, supportive environments.

Together, they explore why neurodiversity is not a deficit or a trend, but a long-overdue recognition of different ways people think, learn and process information. The conversation highlights the importance of psychological safety, clear communication, workplace design, and leadership training — all key enablers of employee success.

From recruitment practices and role clarity to sensory considerations in office spaces, Stacey and Joe offer actionable insights that organisations can implement today to better support neurodiverse employees — and ultimately improve the experience for everyone at work.

Organisations that proactively build inclusive cultures will be better positioned to unlock the strengths of neurodiverse talent while supporting wellbeing and performance across the entire workforce.

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 [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

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 [email protected]

Pay transparency is about to transform how organisations manage compensation, communicate pay decisions, and demonstrate fairness in the workplace.

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave is joined by Pat Gurren, Managing Director of Gurren Compensation Consultancy, to unpack the EU Pay Transparency Directive and what it means for employers ahead of its implementation in June 2026.

With over 35 years of experience in compensation strategy, Pat explains why this directive represents the most significant shift in reward management in decades. From new employee information rights and pay reporting requirements to the cultural impact of transparency within organisations, Pat shares practical insights to help HR leaders prepare.

The conversation also explores the growing importance of job evaluation, the risks of delaying preparation, and why this directive is far more than a compliance exercise.

Whether your organisation has already begun preparing or has yet to start, this episode provides essential guidance on how to approach pay transparency in a structured and strategic way.

For organisations that have not yet begun preparing, the time to act is now. Addressing job evaluation, pay structures, and reporting capabilities early will make the transition to transparency far more manageable.

You can reach Pat at [email protected] or via his website at www.gurren.ie. 

You can contact us for a confidential conversation at [email protected]. 

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 [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

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 [email protected]

Immigration and employment law continues to evolve — and for HR professionals in Ireland, staying compliant while attracting global talent has never been more important.

In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave is joined by Alice Heron, Manager at Fragomen, one of the world’s leading immigration services firms, to break down everything HR leaders need to know about Irish immigration law in 2026.

From updated salary thresholds to graduate hiring opportunities and strengthened compliance obligations, Alice provides clear, practical guidance to help HR professionals confidently manage international recruitment.

Whether you’re hiring from abroad, retaining international graduates, or reviewing your internal compliance processes, this episode offers essential insights for workforce planning in a changing regulatory landscape.

Alice Heron – Manager, Fragomen

• The difference between permission to work and permission to reside

• Permission to work and permission to reside are separate systems — always verify both.

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 connect with him on LinkedIn.

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 [email protected]