HRchat Podcast

Workplace Bullying Risk with Mary Cullen

Workplace bullying isn’t rare — it’s a persistent, under-recognised business risk that quietly erodes culture, trust, and retention. In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham speaks with Mary Cullen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marycullen-hr-director/], Founder and Managing Director at Insight HR [https://insighthr.ie/] and host of The HR Room, to unpack the findings from the Insight HR Irish Workplace Bullying Report 2026. Together, they explore what workplace bullying really means in practice — and why the legal definition often clashes with employee expectations. Mary shares patterns she sees time and again: complaints most frequently involve managers, the emotional toll affects both the accuser and accused, and unresolved issues often lead to exits, damaged trust, and long-term cultural harm. The conversation goes beyond definitions to tackle what organisations get wrong. Many companies have policies, but far fewer invest in meaningful training, conflict resolution skills, or investigation capability. Bill and Mary also challenge the idea of “zero tolerance,” particularly when high performers are protected despite poor behaviour. You’ll learn why complaints can spike during restructuring or performance management cycles, why malicious complaints are less common than assumed, and the single most effective step organisations can take to reduce risk quickly: train managers properly. In this episode: *  What the latest Irish data reveals about bullying complaints  *  The difference between bullying and poor management behaviour  *  Why legal thresholds create confusion in real workplaces  *  The impact on mental health, performance, and retention  *  Where most organisations fall short (even with policies in place)  *  Why “zero tolerance” often fails in practice  *  How to reduce risk quickly with limited budget  If you care about psychological safety, employee relations, and building a culture where people actually want to stay — this episode is essential listening. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/65006/support] Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts [https://www.compt.io/hr-articles/hr-podcasts] for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast [https://blog.feedspot.com/canadian_hr_podcasts/] by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/hrchat-podcast-the-hr-gazette-LxFu9Y5zwdk/] by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here [https://hr-gazette.com/hrchat-podcast/]. * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hr-gazette/] * Subscribe to our newsletter [https://hr-gazette.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=82d8a76a95ea0ecf501c40d04&id=9bda9093a7] * Check out our in-person events [https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/hr-gazette-49476778943]

Social Media Screening For Safer Hiring Decisions with Ben Mones

A candidate can look perfect on paper and still become the person who damages your culture, erodes trust, or puts your employer brand at risk with a single post. In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, host Bill Banham speaks with Ben Mones [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-mones-45740a2a/], founder and CEO of Fama [https://fama.io/], about how “people risk” has evolved in a world where work and behaviour increasingly play out online. With up to six generations now sharing the workforce and hybrid work pushing more interaction into platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, and Discord — the line between “online” and “at work” is disappearing. HR leaders must now rethink how they identify, assess, and manage risk in a way that is ethical, compliant, and fair. Ben explains why regulators are starting to treat online behaviour as workplace conduct, how public posts can amplify organisational risk, and what HR teams can do to stay ahead — without turning hiring into surveillance. What You’ll Learn: *  Why people risk is increasingly visible in digital spaces  *  How online behaviour can impact culture, trust, and employer brand  *  The growing role of regulation in workplace conduct beyond the office  *  Why intent and patterns matter more than one-off mistakes  *  How to build a meaningful, modern code of conduct  *  Ethical AI in hiring: moving beyond black-box decision-making  *  The importance of consent, transparency, and public-only data  *  Why AI should support — not replace — human hiring decisions  *  A future-facing take: why employers may soon encourage candidates to use AI  Key Takeaway: The risks aren’t new — but where and how they show up has changed. HR leaders who adapt their approach to people risk in digital environments will be better positioned to protect culture, trust, and brand. About the Guest: Ben Mones is the Founder and CEO of Fama, an AI-powered platform that helps organisations identify job-relevant insights from candidates’ public online presence while flagging potential misconduct risks. His work focuses on ethical AI, workplace safety, and the future of hiring. Call to Action: If you care about ethical AI, safer hiring, and protecting workplace culture, follow HRchat, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a review to help others discover the show. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/65006/support] Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts [https://www.compt.io/hr-articles/hr-podcasts] for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast [https://blog.feedspot.com/canadian_hr_podcasts/] by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/hrchat-podcast-the-hr-gazette-LxFu9Y5zwdk/] by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here [https://hr-gazette.com/hrchat-podcast/]. * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hr-gazette/] * Subscribe to our newsletter [https://hr-gazette.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=82d8a76a95ea0ecf501c40d04&id=9bda9093a7] * Check out our in-person events [https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/hr-gazette-49476778943]

Your Digital Twin Wants to Review You with Kevin Oakes

AI is forcing a question many leaders would rather avoid: are we improving work — or quietly deleting it? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Kevin Oakes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinoakes/], CEO and co-founder of the Institute for Corporate Productivity and author of Culture Renovation, to cut through the hype and explore what’s actually changing inside organisations right now. Together, they compare the current AI moment to the early internet era — but with one critical difference: speed. Kevin explains why many organisations start with efficiency and ROI conversations before addressing workforce design, and why that sequence is starting to break down as AI reshapes roles, entry-level pathways, and management structures. The conversation also explores emerging use cases such as digital twins, the growing importance of skills readiness, and why HR is increasingly stepping into a central role in shaping AI strategy. With examples from companies like ServiceNow and IBM, Kevin outlines how leading organisations are approaching workforce redesign, internal mobility, and culture in a more intentional, data-driven way. What You’ll Learn: *  Why AI adoption is moving faster than the early internet — and catching companies off guard  *  How AI is reshaping jobs, entry-level roles, and organisational structures  *  Why organisations default to efficiency conversations before workforce design  *  The emerging role of digital twins in HR, coaching, and decision-making  *  Why HR is becoming the architect of the future of work  *  How leading companies approach skills readiness and workforce planning  *  The importance of mapping human vs AI tasks across roles  *  Why internal talent mobility is critical for reskilling at scale  *  How culture health and change readiness are becoming board-level priorities  Key Takeaway: AI isn’t just a technology shift — it’s a work design challenge. Organisations that rethink skills, structure, and culture together will be best positioned to adapt. About the Guest: Kevin Oakes is the CEO and co-founder of the Institute for Corporate Productivity, a research organisation focused on the practices of high-performance companies. He is also the author of Culture Renovation, a widely cited book on building and sustaining high-performance workplace cultures. Call to Action: Subscribe to HRchat, share this episode with an Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/65006/support] Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts [https://www.compt.io/hr-articles/hr-podcasts] for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast [https://blog.feedspot.com/canadian_hr_podcasts/] by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/hrchat-podcast-the-hr-gazette-LxFu9Y5zwdk/] by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here [https://hr-gazette.com/hrchat-podcast/]. * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hr-gazette/] * Subscribe to our newsletter [https://hr-gazette.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=82d8a76a95ea0ecf501c40d04&id=9bda9093a7] * Check out our in-person events [https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/hr-gazette-49476778943]

Why Your Job Title Is Not Your Identity with Jennifer Outlaw

“I think I’m resigning.” Jennifer Outlaw still remembers blurting those words out in a meeting, and the clarity that followed. That single moment opens a bigger conversation about career reinvention, values-based leadership, and what it really means to be successful when the job looks great on paper but feels wrong in your body. Pauline James [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulinetjames] is joined by Jennifer Outlaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferloutlaw/], a values-rooted leadership strategist, licensed clinical social worker, and organizational change consultant with decades of nonprofit leadership experience. We talk about why she’s less interested in formal leadership titles now and more committed to being a builder and connector. Jennifer shares how getting honest about what she actually loves to do, like strategizing, teaching, and creating, has changed how she shows up at work. We also explore why play is not fluff, especially for leaders navigating fast change, burnout risk, and the pressure to keep producing. If you’re feeling stuck, depleted, or nervous about making a change, you’ll hear practical steps you can try today: start with quiet reflection, name your intention, test your strengths with trusted friends, find communities that align with your goals, and consider working with a coach to spark new options. Jennifer also offers a powerful reminder for HR leaders and executives alike: your job title is not your identity, and your “next chapter” can be designed around healing, sustainability, and purpose. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership development and the future of work, share this with someone who needs a reset, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What would you pursue if you stopped chasing titles? Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/65006/support] Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts [https://www.compt.io/hr-articles/hr-podcasts] for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast [https://blog.feedspot.com/canadian_hr_podcasts/] by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/hrchat-podcast-the-hr-gazette-LxFu9Y5zwdk/] by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here [https://hr-gazette.com/hrchat-podcast/]. * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hr-gazette/] * Subscribe to our newsletter [https://hr-gazette.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=82d8a76a95ea0ecf501c40d04&id=9bda9093a7] * Check out our in-person events [https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/hr-gazette-49476778943]

What If Wellbeing Is A Work Design Problem with Jo Yarker

Workplace wellbeing is everywhere, yet too many programs still feel like duct tape on a deeper problem. Bill Banham sits down with Professor Jo Yarker, Professor of Occupational Psychology at Birkbeck University of London and managing partner at Affinity Health at Work, to get practical about what actually drives healthy performance and what HR leaders can do when quick fixes fail. We dig into why the “tick box” approach breaks down, how to measure whether an intervention truly helps, and why job design often matters more than another round of stress training. Jo walks Bill through the IGLU framework, a multi-level model that looks at resources across the individual, group, leader, and organization, plus the wider world outside work. If one layer is missing, people feel exposed, and performance stops being sustainable. From there, we get real about flexible work: when it boosts wellbeing and when it quietly creates strain as teams juggle competing needs. We also cover return to work after sickness absence, including mental health absence, and the small leadership choices that can prevent someone from feeling overwhelmed on day one. Jo shares overlooked psychological risks tied to international business travel, and we close with a forward look at healthy organizations in an AI-shaped labor market, including responsible technology, data transparency, consent, and support for different digital mindsets. Subscribe for more conversations on workplace health, share this with an HR leader who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/65006/support] Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts [https://www.compt.io/hr-articles/hr-podcasts] for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast [https://blog.feedspot.com/canadian_hr_podcasts/] by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/hrchat-podcast-the-hr-gazette-LxFu9Y5zwdk/] by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here [https://hr-gazette.com/hrchat-podcast/]. * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hr-gazette/] * Subscribe to our newsletter [https://hr-gazette.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=82d8a76a95ea0ecf501c40d04&id=9bda9093a7] * Check out our in-person events [https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/hr-gazette-49476778943]