Almost 90% of Irish people have worked while sick and nearly half have suffered burnout, a new report has found.
A study by ‘Healthy Working’ examining Irish workers’ physical and mental health also discovered that employees spend less than the price of a coffee on their personal well-being.
Almost 70% employees are currently experiencing some form of stress at work, while 57% said they constantly think about work even on their days off.
The nationwide report included a sample of 500 working adults across all sectors and was published by the Mater Private Healthcare group.
And findings suggests that workers are not as healthy as they believe.
Caroline Whelan, Chief Operating Officer of the Mater Private Healthcare Group said: “The Healthy Working report shows a need for employers to really put health and wellbeing at the very core of their workplace culture and move beyond token gestures.
“The benefits of healthy snacks and on-site exercise classes are negated if a worker is in a constant state of stress.
“Truly valuing an employee’s long-term physical and mental health not only creates sustainable results for a business - it ensures employee satisfaction, loyalty, and goodwill.”
Around 50% say that their job impedes their ability to exercise, while one in four admitted to skipping breakfast every day.
And when it comes to keeping an eye on their personal health, just 45% go to their GP for a yearly, or more frequent check-up.
Over half only go when they have a specific health complaint.
And three in 10 go to work against the advice of their doctor.
Meanwhile, research shows a distinct disconnect between employer’s expectations and their workers' when they attempt to strike a balance between work and a personal life.
Around 18% of workers claim to have a poor work-life balance and 46% work outside normal hours.
While 21% say that they are "always on" and available to their employer.
Despite being offered a minimum of 20 days annual leave per year, almost 20% of employees do not take their full allocation.
Of those who don’t, 34% said they are afraid their workload will increase and claim that there is no one to manage their workload while away.
However, some employers recognise that worker wellbeing is important - three in four invest in health and wellness perks for their teams.
These include benefits like flexible working, on-site exercise classes with some employers even providing access to massage or other holistic treatments.
When it comes to lunch, 81% of employers provide eating facilities on-site, with 53% offering an in-house catering option for workers.
