Research

• One in three employees in Ireland are vulnerable workers with an underlying condition
• Four in 10 Irish workers (39%) are struggling to cope with everyday life under Covid-19
• 91% of Irish workers have reported some level of anxiety during Covid-19
• One in 10 are seeking help with their mental wellbeing
• Estimated cost of returning employees to work is €37,138
• Almost eight out of 10 (78%) have not taken any sick leave since March

The research — the first of its kind in Ireland to include both employers and over 1000 employees across all industries and sectors — also found four in 10 Irish workers (39%) are struggling to cope with everyday life during Covid-19 and 91% have reported some level of anxiety. Over half cited a fear of a second surge their main cause of anxiety. However, just one in 10 are seeking external professional help for their mental wellbeing and almost eight in 10 workers have not taken any sick leave since March.

The research further reveals companies predict an average expense of €37,138 on returning employees to the workplace, such as putting in place new infrastructure, PPE provision and running wellness programmes. 14% of Irish employers are predicting costs of €50,000 or more. Larger organisations are more likely to be providing mental wellbeing services to support staff returning to the workplace. However, just 45% of the pharma, manufacturing and IT sectors are providing such services for those returning to the workplace and just 39% in other sectors.