Ray McKenna is Head of People Solutions for Lockton Ireland, the world’s largest privately owned broker. As your strategic partners, their goal is to make sure that your people solutions and risk management programmes contribute to the success of your business beyond the obvious provision of insurance cover.
We asked Ray to share his thoughts on HR, his career and the challenges facing him and Lockton Ireland
HRHQ: Tell us about your career journey and what originally attracted you to a career in HR.
Ray McKenna:I started my career in an actuarial business, primarily working in the pensions area. However, my interest in people-centric solutions quickly expanded, and I moved into compensation and flexible benefits consulting. This transition opened my eyes to the broader scope of HR, and I realised that the real power in understanding and addressing the needs of both employees and businesses in a comprehensive way.
HRHQ: What has been the most significant change in the HR world since you began your career?
RMK:The biggest shift I’ve seen is the evolving role of HR in business strategy. HR is no longer just an administrative function—it’s become integral to shaping the direction of a company. Today, we recognise the importance of human capital as the most critical asset of any business. The workforce is evolving, too, with different expectations, needs, and values. HR teams play a vital role in helping businesses adapt to these changes, ensuring they remain competitive and have a robust workforce.
HRHQ: What is the most important HR challenge facing you currently?
RMK:One of the biggest challenges today is delivering effective wellness programmes. Employees are more conscious than ever about their mental, physical, and financial well-being, and HR has a central role in facilitating that. Stressors, including financial, are a key challenge. More and more companies are designing programmes with “wellness” as an outcome which is an important, but subtle, shift. Designing benefits programmes that not only engage employees but also reflect a company’s value proposition is key. These benefits should resonate with what the company stands for and create an environment where employees feel values are being lived .
HRHQ: From an employee’s perspective, what does great HR service mean?
RMK:Great HR service supports the evolving needs of employees at every stage of their careers. It’s about empowering them to develop their skills and become more agile in their roles. Looking ahead, HR must also help employees navigate the increasing presence of AI and other technologies. At its core, great HR is about fostering growth, well-being, and adaptability.
HRHQ: How should HR professionals design their career, and how much can you realistically career plan?
RMK:It’s important to appreciate that change is constant, especially in HR. While career planning is valuable, flexibility is key. HR professionals should focus on developing a broad set of skills, particularly in areas like finance, technology, data analytics. By embracing new tools and methods, they can future-proof their careers. Additionally, planning for lifetime transitions—whether it’s into new roles or an eventual phased retirement—requires adaptability and foresight.
HRHQ: What advice would you give someone at the start of their HR career?
RMK:Be open to change. HR is an ever-evolving field, and those who flourish are the people who embrace new challenges and innovations. Investing in your skills is crucial—whether it’s learning about new technologies, staying current on employment law, or understanding the latest trends in employees lifetime work journeys. And don’t forget to plan for the long term. A phased retirement is something every professional should consider, allowing for a smooth transition while utilising their lifetime learnings.
HRHQ: What soft skills do you believe are key to progressing in your career?
RMK:Empathy is critical. HR is a people business! Understanding the needs, concerns, and aspirations of employees is essential. Strong communication, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build relationships are equally important. These soft skills allow HR professionals to connect with employees on a deeper level, making them more effective in delivering solutions that genuinely meet the needs of the workforce.
HRHQ: What experiences should HR professionals try to get as they build up their CV?
RMK:Look at gaining experience in different areas of the business, not just HR. Working cross-functionally helps HR professionals understand the broader organisational context and align people strategies with business goals. And, of course, embracing technology and data is no longer optional. Every HR professional needs to be comfortable with the tools that drive modern HR processes.
HRHQ: What are you most proud of in your career?
RMK:I take great pride in building businesses and fostering long-term client relationships over the past 30 years. Equally important has been developing and mentoring my team—helping individuals grow professionally and watching them thrive in their careers. These accomplishments are what drive me every day and continue to inspire me.
HRHQ: What is the best part of your job?
RMK:Meeting with clients is by far the most rewarding aspect of my job. It’s incredibly fulfilling to sit down with companies, understand their challenges, and work with them to develop solutions that drive real impact for their people. Every client is different, and that variety keeps things fresh and exciting.
HRHQ: What do you think the Future of Work will look like?
RMK:I believe we’re heading towards an era of portfolio careers, where people will need to reskill and upskill constantly. Lifelong learning will become a necessity, not just an advantage. The future workplace will be more fluid, with employees shifting roles, learning new skills, and adapting to technological advancements like AI. HR will play a critical role in supporting this transition, ensuring that businesses and employees can thrive in this new landscape.
HRHQ: Many thanks Ray for taking part and we wish you and Lockton Ireland the very best for the future.
