Almost one in four employees in Ireland took time off work for mental health reasons last year, significantly exceeding the European average and highlighting growing workplace wellbeing concerns across the country.
The research by SD Worx Ireland found that 24% of Irish workers took mental health leave in 2024, compared to the European average of 18%. The survey revealed deeper issues within Irish workplaces, with 29% of employees admitting their organization negatively impacts their mental health.
Half of all respondents described their work as mentally demanding or stressful, while only 45% felt comfortable discussing mental health concerns with their teams. Despite growing awareness, just 43% reported that their organizations actively support mental health initiatives.
The findings expose a culture of workplace guilt and pressure, with 39% of employees feeling guilty when taking time off and an equal percentage feeling pressured to work even when sick. This suggests persistent barriers to prioritizing personal wellbeing despite increased mental health awareness.
Eimear Byrne, Country Leader at SD Worx Ireland, described the results as highlighting “concerning trends around mental health and wellbeing in the Irish workplace.” She emphasized that with full employment in Ireland, organizations must prioritize creating supportive environments where employees feel valued and able to perform meaningful work.
The research also revealed gaps in financial wellbeing support, with only 35% of employees believing their organization cares about their financial security. Byrne stressed the importance of integrating payroll systems with wellbeing strategies, noting that “timely, accurate pay builds financial security, while fair and transparent processes around sick leave, entitlements, and rewards help create a culture of trust.”
The findings underscore the need for comprehensive workplace mental health strategies that address both psychological and financial wellbeing.