Over half of staff don't feel supported at work while a fifth have taken time off because of stress in the last 12 months, according to new research from recruiter Hays Ireland.

While both employers and employees almost universally agreed wellbeing at work was important, many staff do not feel supported.

Just under half (48 per cent) of those surveyed feel their organisation’s current approach to wellbeing effectively supports them, and more than one in five employees (22 per cent) report taking time off work in the last 12-months due to stress or stress-related illness. 

The survey found a a high workload is the leading factor negatively affecting workplace wellbeing, as cited by 68 per cent of employers and 49 per cent of all professionals.

The report suggests "the issue may not be a lack of support, but rather a failure to clearly communicate available benefits and ensure employees feel comfortable using them."

Just under a third (32 per cent) of employers admit that their organisation fails to effectively communicate wellbeing initiatives.

Among employees aware of these initiatives, over two-thirds (68 per cent) make use of them to some degree while 32 per cent admit to not utilising any of the wellbeing initiatives offered by their employers.  

Furthermore, both employers (81 per cent) and employees (82 per cent) believe their organisation could be doing more to support mental wellbeing. 

Employees also place high importance on workplace wellbeing when evaluating current and prospective employers.  

Nearly half (49 per cent) of professionals state having previously left a job due to insufficient wellbeing support from their employer, with an additional 31% of professionals who considered leaving a job for the same reason.

The feedback also found hybrid working continues to be a key factor for employees, with 85 per cent of professionals saying that hybrid and flexible working has positively impacted their wellbeing.

In response over half of employers (61 per cent) are investing in flexible working arrangements to boost wellbeing, which aligns with 62 per cent of professionals reporting a positive work-life balance. 

But the survey also found that 42 per cent of professionals said that news coverage related to mandating return-to-office policies has negatively impacted their wellbeing. 

Some employees are overworked, with half (50 per cent) of professionals believe they often work outside contracted hours. 

Additionally, 25 per cent of respondents feel unable to disconnect from work even during annual leave, highlighting ongoing stress challenges in the workplace. Overall, 62 per cent of professionals say they have a positive work-life balance.

Maureen Lynch, managing director of Hays Ireland, said: “It’s encouraging to see a shared recognition between employers and employees that wellbeing is key to business success.  

“However, 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.  

“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.” 

(Pic: Getty Images)