Nearly a quarter of employees in Ireland took mental health leave last year

13 August 2025

SD Worx research finds that 29% of employees admit that working in their organisation negatively impacts their mental health
Half (50%) of employees say their work is mentally demanding or stressful
However, 45% of employees feel comfortable openly discussing mental health issues with their team
39% feel guilty when they take time off work
Over half (53%) of employees are satisfied with their work-life balance

SD Worx Ireland, a leading payroll and HR solutions provider, today announces new survey results which show that almost a quarter (24%) of employees in Ireland took leave for their mental health last year. This is higher than the European average of 18%. The survey found that some 29% of employees admit that working in their organisation negatively impacts their mental health.

The independent study was carried out by iVOX on behalf of SD Worx and surveyed 1,000 employees in Ireland on topics relating to their wellbeing. It found that while half (50%) say they find their work mentally demanding or stressful, 45% of workers feel comfortable discussing this with their team. In addition, 43% say their organisation actively undertakes initiatives to support mental health.

The survey also explored how employees perceive their work obligations and found that 39% feel guilty when they take time off work. The same percentage feel pressure to work even when they are sick. Such issues may explain why over half (56%) see their job as simply a way to earn a living.

Despite the pressures that many face, 53% of employees feel they are ultimately satisfied with their work-life balance. In addition, some 69% say that their organisation publicly presents itself as committed to supporting its employees’ wellbeing.

This research highlights some concerning trends around mental health and wellbeing in the Irish workplace. Employees are feeling under pressure, which is resulting in many not believing in the work that they are doing. At a time when there is full employment in Ireland, organisations must prioritise creating environments where people feel supported, valued, and able to do meaningful work. It is encouraging to see that employees are not only being more open about their mental health at work, but that employers are placing an increased focus on their wellbeing. This must include financial wellbeing - but only 35% of employees believe that their organisation cares about the financial wellbeing of its workers. Payroll must be part of this conversation. Timely, accurate pay builds financial security, while fair and transparent processes around sick leave, entitlements, and rewards help create a culture of trust. By combining smart systems with human insight, businesses can actively support the financial and mental wellbeing of their people.

Eimear Byrne

Ireland Country Lead

SD Worx Ireland

About SD Worx

SD Worx believes that success starts with people. A thriving workforce doesn’t just build a thriving company, it also contributes to society. Together with its customers, SD Worx sparks successful HR that benefits work, life and society.

As the trusted leading European HR and payroll solutions provider for all organisations and workers, SD Worx delivers software, services and expertise across payroll & reward, human capital management and workforce management. SD Worx has deep roots across Europe and has been leading the way for eight decades together with its customers, employers big and small, to spark employee engagement that ignites success at the heart of their business.

About 95,000 small and large organisations across Europe place their trust in SD Worx. The almost 10,000 colleagues operate in 27 countries. SD Worx calculates the salaries of approximately 6 million employees and ranks among the top five worldwide. It achieved a revenue of EUR 1.180 billion in 2024.

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Press Contact

Máirín O'Sullivan Marketing Manager IEmairin.osullivan@sdworx.com