Dublin: Mental health issues are increasingly affecting Ireland’s workforce, with nearly one in four employees (24%) taking mental health leave in the past year, according to a new survey by Ivox for payroll and HR solutions provider SD Worx. The figure is notably higher than the European average of 18%.
The survey highlights that 29% of employees believe work negatively impacts their mental health, while half (50%) report experiencing workplace stress. Encouragingly, 45% said they feel better when they can openly discuss these challenges.
Despite growing awareness, support remains uneven. Just 43% of respondents said their organisations actively engage in interventions to address mental health concerns. At the same time, 39% admitted to feeling guilty when taking leave, and a similar proportion reported working while unwell due to financial pressures and personal challenges. The study also revealed that 56% of employees rely on their job as their sole source of income, underlining the stress linked to economic dependency.
On a positive note, 53% of employees expressed satisfaction with their work-life balance, and 69% said they see their employers actively supporting staff well-being. The findings, SD Worx noted, reflect both progress and persistent gaps in workplace mental health support.
Emer Byrne, Country Leader at SD Worx Ireland, said organisations must recognise the growing pressures on employees and foster more supportive workplace cultures. “Ireland is operating at full employment, but many people do not feel connected to the work they do. At this stage, employers need to prioritise creating environments where staff feel valued and supported,” she said.
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