At Insight HR, we pride ourselves on our ability to partner with clients to help them grow, streamline their HR processes, navigate the complex world of people management, and give them much-needed support and peace of mind.
One of our long-term clients, Sika Ireland, has experienced significant growth and transformation over the years. With the dedicated support of Insight HR, they’ve been able to tackle a wide range of HR challenges that come with scaling and managing people.
We recently sat down with Bernadette Tobin, HR Manager at Sika Ireland, to discuss her experience working with us and the value she’s found in Insight HR’s tailored approach.
In this video (and in the summary transcript below), Bernadette shares her thoughts on how Insight HR’s guidance has been instrumental in helping Sika Ireland develop a robust HR function that’s responsive to both day-to-day needs and long-term organisational goals.
Ready to discover how personalised HR support can make a difference in your business? Email or call the team on (056) 770 1060 today to learn more!
Q: Could you briefly introduce yourself and your role at SIKA Ireland?
A: My name is Bernadette Tobin, and I am currently the HR Manager at Sika Ireland Limited, a subsidiary of a Swiss multinational. We’ve been operating in Ireland for nearly 30 years and employ over 50 people. I’ve been with the company for over 20 years, starting as a Financial Controller before taking on various project roles and, eventually, the HR Manager position about 18 months ago.
Q: How did Insight HR come into the picture? What challenges did they help you address?
A: We’ve been working with Insight HR for over 10 years. At that time, I was transitioning from my financial role to a more project-based one, which allowed me to focus more on HR issues. Insight HR helped us establish our HR function, advising us on key areas, managing recruitment, and developing our employee handbook and policies. Their support in these foundational areas has been invaluable.
Q: Why did you feel the need to bring in an HR consultancy like Insight HR?
A: Sika’s steady growth made it clear that HR was becoming more complex and that we needed dedicated support. Although Insight HR was initially an excellent resource for recruitment and policy development, we eventually required someone in-house for day-to-day HR operations. At the same time, corporate had increased its focus on HR, so Insight HR’s expertise allowed us to align better with corporate HR goals.
Q: What results or changes have you seen from working with Insight HR?
A: The biggest benefit is the sense of support. Having Insight HR means I have reliable, experienced professionals to turn to for both routine and complex issues, such as workplace investigations. Their guidance has been invaluable.
Q: Were you satisfied with the Insight HR team? Any particular shout-outs?
A: Absolutely. Over the years, I’ve worked with several Insight HR consultants, and each one has been knowledgeable and accessible. Liam, in particular, has been fantastic. He understands our business and knows our team’s unique dynamics, which helps him provide more personalised and effective support.
Q: Why did you choose to work with Insight HR initially, and what made you continue working with them?
A: We previously worked with a larger, global organisation, but with them, it often felt like we were getting templated answers. Insight HR, on the other hand, has always provided a personal touch. Liam and the team understand our business and the fact that the “book answer” doesn’t always apply.
Q: Does it help that Insight HR knows your company well and offers consistent support?
A: Absolutely. When I reach out to Insight HR, I know I won’t have to explain everything from scratch. Their familiarity with our company and people is invaluable, especially when complex issues arise.
Q: Finally, would you recommend Insight HR to other HR professionals or organisations?
A: Certainly. I’d recommend Insight HR to any organisation, whether or not they have an internal HR professional. We’ve relied on their expertise for a range of HR issues, from basic queries to complex matters like workplace investigations. Their support is invaluable, and they’re a fantastic resource for any business.
Why Insight HR?
As Bernadette’s experience highlights, having an HR consultancy that goes beyond templated responses and generic solutions can make all the difference. At Insight HR, we don’t just provide support – we immerse ourselves in understanding each client’s unique organisational culture, challenges, and goals. With our hands-on, personal approach, we’re here to help businesses like yours navigate HR complexities confidently.
Considering HR support from Insight HR? Book a consultation today or send us an email to info@insighthr.ie, to explore how our services can be tailored to your business needs. Trust, consistency, and peace of mind, are only a phone call away.
