Want to attract and retain great talent? Start with wellbeing. Workplace wellbeing is no longer a trend — it’s a necessity. It not only boosts team productivity but also helps to attract and retain talent, reduce stress, and create a more human work environment.

Yet what to do and how to do it is still a challenge for many Irish employers.

A useful way to think about it is: good wellbeing initiatives reduce the “push” factors (stress, exhaustion, poor line-management) while improving the “pull” factors (culture, meaning, flexibility) that keep employees engaged and productive.

While pay is important, research and employer experience in Ireland show that satisfaction, wellbeing, and the everyday quality of working life are major drivers of whether people stay.

In this article, you’ll find practical tips, an overview of the latest trends, and a look at how we at E-Frontiers promote wellbeing in our day-to-day work.

What the Data shows:

Before diving into trends and recommendations, here are a few figures to highlight the importance of workplace wellbeing:

A 2024 TELUS Health report found that 42% of Irish workers report feeling at high risk of mental health issues — one of the highest levels in Europe.

According to the ESRI (Economic and Social Research Institute), one in three Irish employees experiences high levels of stress linked to work pressure and workload. HR Practices in Ireland 2025 | Report | CIPD

CSO data also show that sickness absence due to stress and burnout has risen steadily since 2021, with workload identified as a leading cause.

A 2025 CIPD Ireland report revealed that wellbeing and flexible working policies are now among the top three factors influencing employee retention in Irish companies.

Mental health challenges are a key factor in workplace absenteeism, with a significant portion of organisations reporting burnout and stress linked to workload, job changes, and insufficient managerial support. Many employers are responding by increasing investment in mental health initiatives and tackling long-hours cultures to support employee wellbeing and maintain productivity.

However, there is still a long road ahead for Irish employers it seems: only half the respondents in this CIPD survey said wellbeing was increasingly on their senior leaders’ agenda.

Trends and Research in Workplace Wellbeing

The world of work is evolving fast — and so is our understanding of wellbeing. Many companies are now taking active steps to support their employees’ mental and physical health. Here are some key trends shaping the workplace

Right to Disconnect

With the rise of remote work during the pandemic, the need to disconnect digitally after working hours became clear. More companies are now enforcing boundaries that protect employees from excessive workloads.
In Ireland, the “Right to Disconnect” Code of Practice was introduced in 2021, giving employees the right to switch off outside working hours and setting out employer obligations to respect work-life balance.
Irish companies that actively promote this culture — through clear communication and manager training — report noticeable improvements in staff satisfaction and retention.

Hybrid Work and Flexibility

Recent studies show that flexible work models increase job satisfaction — provided that communication and routines are clear. Irish research by Ibec and CIPD shows that 76% of employees value hybrid or flexible working as a key reason to stay with their employer.
Many Irish organisations have adopted hybrid setups that balance flexibility with collaboration, contributing to higher retention and wellbeing scores

Investment in Mental Health Programmes

Leading companies now see mental health support as a strategic investment, not an expense. Research shows that for every euro invested in wellbeing, organisations can achieve a fourfold return on productivity.
In Ireland, employers increasingly use initiatives such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), the HSE’s Minding Your Wellbeing resources, and mental health training for managers to support their teams.

Practical Tips to Improve Wellbeing at Work

Beyond the trends above, here are some simple, effective ideas that can be applied at a team level:

Active 5-minute breaks: Encourage short stretches or breathing exercises every 90 minutes to boost energy and focus.

Encourage digital downtime: Set specific times to check emails and messages – try the “no emails after 6 p.m.” guideline in line with Ireland’s Right to Disconnect.

Promote work-life balance through culture: Irish workplaces are becoming more supportive of flexible hours, family leave, and return-to-work programmes, recognising that caregiving responsibilities can impact stress levels.

Ergonomic workspace: Adjust chair height, screen level, and foot support to reduce strain and muscle pain.

Mindfulness at work: 10 minutes a day of mindfulness practice can improve stress management and mental clarity.

Wellbeing budget: Offer an annual allowance for physical or mental health services — physiotherapy, counselling, or gym membership — a benefit now increasingly common among Irish employers.

Home-office ergonomics budget: Support hybrid and remote employees with an allowance for ergonomic equipment such as chairs, monitors, or laptop stands.

Peer connection spaces: Create opportunities for team bonding — virtual coffee chats, team-building sessions, or casual meetups. This is especially important for remote and hybrid workers.

Variety in projects: Let employees join different initiatives — attending events, leading internal workshops, volunteering, or contributing to a wellbeing committee. These foster learning and belonging.

Some of the Wellbeing Activities We Do at E-Frontiers

Here’s a look at some of the ways we put workplace wellbeing into practice:

Dedicated Wellbeing Team:

A group within E-Frontiers organises team outings, wellbeing talks, and internal activities to stay connected. Social events like lunches, outings, or casual get-togethers are vital for fostering a sense of belonging.

Movement challenges:

Physical activity challenges encourage movement, whether walking, running, or simply getting outdoors at lunchtime.

Professional Growth:

Learning and development are a priority. We provide opportunities such as online courses, workshops, and certifications to help employees grow in their careers.

Recognition:

People thrive when they feel valued. Celebrating achievements through meetings, newsletters, or internal platforms helps us build a culture of recognition and engagement.

Involvement beyond recruitment:

Our team members also engage in community initiatives, industry events, employability workshops, and volunteering opportunities.

Wellbeing surveys and reviews:

We regularly measure how our teams are feeling and adapt our initiatives to their real needs.

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Final Thoughts

At E-Frontiers, we genuinely believe workplace wellbeing isn’t just about perks — it’s about creating an environment where people can truly thrive.
For Irish employers, wellbeing is becoming a key retention and performance strategy — when your people feel supported, they stay longer, perform better, and contribute more.

When our people grow, we all grow.

For further reference:

https://healthyworkplace.ie/areas/wellbeing-areas/mental-health

https://healthyworkplace.ie/workplace-wellbeing-trends-2025

Nigel Bolger | Commercial Manager | E-Frontiers

Contact: nigel.bolger@e-frontiers.ie