According to a Workhuman survey, there is a difference in attitudes between males and females when it comes to a feeling of obligation to work when sick.

Responses show that 57% of women in Ireland feel obligated to work while sick, compared to 34% of men.

A survey of 2,268 workers in the US, Ireland, Canada and the UK, including 252 in Ireland, conducted by the company also found that four in 10 women (40%) and 32% of men feel mentally exhausted and drained after the working day.

The study determined that men (64%) and women (65%) are equally likely to feel respected at work in Ireland despite the disparities, and 55% of both men and women are likely to feel appreciated for their work.

The survey, carried out by Dynata, found that women are more likely to value diversity and inclusion in the workplace, with 84% of women reported that diversity and inclusion is important to them, compared to 73% of men.

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Meanwhile, men working in Ireland (49%) are slightly more likely than women (42%) to see a clear path for growth within their organisation. Parents in Ireland (64%) are less likely to feel respected at work than their counterparts in the UK, US and Canada (72%), while 60% were likely to feel overworked, compared to 52% internationally and 40% of non-parents in Ireland.

"This research highlights work practices and sentiments in a post-pandemic world and allows us to observe how Irish workers fare against their global counterparts," said Niamh Graham, senior vice president of global human experience at Workhuman.

"Women working remotely in Ireland clearly feel significantly more pressure to work while they are unwell, compared to their male colleagues. Whether this is external or internal pressure, it is something that must be addressed by every organisation as they strive to create more human-led workforces.

“We know from our own research that gender bias still exists in Irish – and global – workplaces. Managers must not only ensure that they themselves are treating everyone equally, but they must also be aware of how their team members are perceiving and acting upon their roles and obligations, and make sure that the workload is not disproportionately distributed based on a person’s gender, race or otherwise."

The government's Sick Leave Bill, which will require employers to pay up to 10 days' sick leave pay per year, passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas this week.

(Pic: Getty Images)