Leeanne Patterson discusses her role in the HR space and how organisations can develop a healthy and happy company culture.
“My interest in HR peaked during my studies in college,” Leeanne Patterson, the head of human resources at TCS Letterkenny Global Delivery Centre, told SiliconRepublic.com.
After completing her degree in business studies, she decided to delve deeper into the world of HR, completing a postgraduate diploma at the National College of Ireland.
“I have always had a genuine interest in people and how organisations can create cultures where individuals and teams thrive.
“I began my career building strong foundational experience across core HR disciplines, including business partnering, talent acquisition, performance management, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, reward and recognition, and working closely with leaders and employees to support growth, change and development.”
How does it feel to have TCS named as a Top Employer in Ireland by the Top Employers Institute?
It’s fantastic and something that we are very proud of. Recognition like this reflects and validates the consistent effort our teams put into creating a supportive, inclusive and engaging workplace. Importantly, it reflects an external assessment of our practices, not just our intentions, but also includes feedback from our own employees in the north-west region, Dublin and throughout the country.
Being named a Top Employer in Ireland reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and sets a benchmark we hold ourselves accountable to every year.
How can organisations ensure that they are creating a positive and productive atmosphere for their employees?
A positive workplace culture starts with respect, trust and clear communication, ensuring that employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and voicing concerns. In Ireland, where community and connection are so important, it’s essential that organisations take the time to understand what matters to their people, both professionally and personally. Putting people first and supporting flexibility, work‑life balance and wellbeing is also critical.
I am particularly passionate about creating and supporting health and wellness that is core to a company’s workplace culture. Prioritising physical and mental health with wellness programmes reduces burnout and increases productivity. Good health is good business.
Diversity and inclusion enhance creativity, improve decision-making and drive innovation by leveraging varied perspectives. Inclusive workplaces boost employee engagement, trust and retention while attracting top talent, as many candidates prioritise diverse environments.
Does TCS have any initiatives or programmes aimed at creating a strong culture?
Yes, culture is at the heart of everything we do at TCS Ireland. We actively promote inclusion, collaboration and belonging through a range of initiatives, from employee engagement, employee resource groups, CSR initiatives and wellbeing programmes to upskilling in key capabilities, leadership development and mentoring.
At TCS, employee wellbeing is particularly embedded into the fabric of the organisation. I am particularly proud of the multiple programmes we have in place to support healthier lifestyles, work-life balance and online counselling sessions for better mental health. Our culture is built around shared values, but it’s lived locally, shaped by the communities in which our people work and live. We actively promote, but we also participate and encourage. It’s not just a ‘nice to have’, it’s a necessity.
How is training utilised as a means of building a responsive and responsible culture?
Learning and development are central to our approach in Ireland. We view training not just as a way to build skills, but as a way to empower our people and reinforce our values. Through continuous learning opportunities, employees are supported to adapt to change, grow their careers, and contribute responsibly to our clients and communities.
Training also plays a key role in ensuring consistency, accountability and high standards across all our Irish teams. Continuous learning is a way of life in TCS and employees are encouraged to make use of the extensive learning and certification opportunities.
What kind of talent does TCS typically look to bring onboard?
Individuals with high emotional intelligence, proactive individuals who are solution-driven and candidates with an enthusiasm for learning.
In Ireland, we look for people who are curious, collaborative and eager to learn. While technical capability is important, we place equal value on attitude and mindset. We seek individuals who are open to working with global teams, but who also understand the importance of local context – people who want to build long‑term careers while contributing positively to their communities, including regions like the north-west.
Have you any advice for a new recruit looking to join TCS on how to present themselves as an attractive candidate?
My advice would be to be yourself and show genuine interest in who we are as a company. Research TCS Ireland, understand our values and think about how your own experiences align with them. Illustrate how you are motivated by making a difference and driving tangible results. Highlight your adaptability, your willingness to learn and any examples where you’ve worked collaboratively or made a positive impact, whether through work, study or community involvement. We’re proud to attract talent from across Ireland, and we’re always interested in potential, not just past experience.
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