Irish workplace wellbeing study reveals strong support despite implementation challenges.
A new study by recruitment firm Hays Ireland shows that 95% of employers and 96% of employees believe positive wellbeing is important to organisational success, though implementation gaps remain.
The research found that 48% of employees feel their organisation’s current wellbeing approach effectively supports them, while 22% of professionals have taken time off work in the last 12 months due to stress or stress-related illness.
“It’s encouraging to see a shared recognition between employers and employees that wellbeing is key to business success”
High workload emerged as the leading factor negatively affecting workplace wellbeing, cited by 68% of employers and 49% of all professionals surveyed.
Communication and utilisation of wellbeing programmes
The study indicates that 32% of employers admit their organisation fails to effectively communicate wellbeing initiatives. Among employees who are aware of these initiatives, 68% make use of them to some degree, while 32% do not utilize any of the wellbeing programs offered by their employers.
Both employers (81%) and employees (82%) believe their organisation could be doing more to support mental wellbeing.
The importance of workplace wellbeing extends to employment decisions, with 49% of professionals stating they have previously left a job due to insufficient wellbeing support from their employer. An additional 31% of professionals have considered leaving a job for the same reason.
Hybrid working continues to show benefits
Hybrid working remains a significant factor for employee wellbeing, with 85% of professionals saying that hybrid and flexible working has positively impacted their wellbeing. More than half of employers (61%) are investing in flexible working arrangements to boost wellbeing, which aligns with 62% of professionals reporting a positive work-life balance.
The survey found that 42% of professionals said news coverage related to mandating return-to-office policies has negatively impacted their wellbeing.
The research also revealed ongoing challenges with work-life boundaries, as 50% of professionals believe they often work outside contracted hours. Additionally, 25% of respondents feel unable to disconnect from work even during annual leave.
“It’s encouraging to see a shared recognition between employers and employees that wellbeing is key to business success,” said Maureen Lynch, managing director of Hays Ireland.
“The findings also suggest a potential disconnect between how wellbeing is defined and delivered; while employers may believe they are offering adequate support, fewer than half of employees feel this is truly meeting their needs,” Lynch explained.
“The report highlights a resilient Irish workforce that, even amid global uncertainties, is committed to fostering healthier, more supportive work environments. Remote and hybrid working policies continue to evoke debate, but it’s clear that flexibility plays a central role in many professionals’ sense of wellbeing.
“To build on this wider momentum, organisations must ensure their wellbeing strategies align closely with what employees actually experience and need — particularly when it comes to addressing stress and overwork,” Lynch concluded.
-
Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
-
For support in challenging times, click here
-
Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:
-
Spotify
-
SoundCloud
-
Apple