Nearly a quarter (24%) of employees in Ireland took time off work last year due to mental health reasons – significantly higher than the European average of 18%, according to new research from SD Worx Ireland.
The survey highlights growing concerns around workplace wellbeing, with 29% of respondents saying their job negatively impacts their mental health. Half (50%) reported finding their work mentally demanding or stressful, although 45% said they feel comfortable talking about these challenges with their team.
Encouragingly, 43% of workers believe their organisation actively implements initiatives to support mental health. However, the findings also reveal an underlying stigma: 39% feel guilty for taking time off, and the same proportion admit they feel pressured to work while unwell.
The results underscore the importance for employers to foster open conversations around mental wellbeing, address workplace stress, and ensure that support systems are both accessible and effective.