Health & Wellbeing

How Employers Can Boost Mental Health at Work

How to boost mental health in the workplace

Wisdom WellbeingUpdated October 2026

Mental health is now one of the most significant workplace challenges facing Irish employers. Rising stress levels, increased sick leave and growing expectations around wellbeing mean organisations need to take proactive steps to support staff. This guide outlines practical actions employers in Ireland can take, and how an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can provide essential support.

Why employers in Ireland must prioritise mental health

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers have a duty to protect their employees' safety, health and welfare, and that includes mental wellbeing. In practice, this means identifying workplace hazards, including psychosocial hazards such as work-related stress, carrying out risk assessments, and setting out how risks are managed in a safety statement.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) also highlights the importance of managing psychosocial hazards such as stress, burnout and workload pressure. Prioritising mental health can lead to:

reduced sick leave
better retention and engagement
higher productivity
a stronger organisational culture

Supporting wellbeing is both a legal responsibility and a strategic advantage.

Early signs employees may be struggling

Managers and HR teams should watch for:

noticeable changes in behaviour or mood
reduced performance or concentration
increased sick leave or presenteeism
withdrawal from colleagues
signs of stress, anxiety or burnout

Early recognition allows employers to step in before issues escalate.

Practical ways employers in Ireland can improve mental health at work

Flexible working options

Hybrid working, adjusted hours and remote options help staff manage personal responsibilities and reduce stress.

Employee-led wellbeing initiatives

Involve employees in shaping wellbeing activities to increase engagement and relevance.

Inclusive social events

Create inclusive, low-pressure opportunities for connection that suit diverse teams.

Volunteering programmes

Employer-supported volunteering boosts morale and strengthens community ties.

Wellness hours or protected breaks

Encourage regular breaks to reduce burnout and improve focus.

Quiet rooms and breakout spaces

Provide calm areas where employees can decompress during busy days.

Mental health days

Offer no-questions-asked mental health days to support early intervention.

Manager mental health training

Equip leaders with the skills to recognise issues and respond appropriately. Related article: EAP for Managers: How Employee Assistance Programmes Support Leaders in Ireland

Where an employee's mental health condition affects their work, you may also need to provide reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts, such as changes to their hours, duties or working environment.

How an EAP supports mental health at work in Ireland

An Employee Assistance Programme is an effective way for Irish employers to support staff wellbeing. Wisdom Wellbeing's EAP provides:

24/7 confidential mental health support
counselling and structured therapy
manager guidance and consultation
support for personal, financial and emotional issues

This early, accessible support can help reduce sick leave, and improve retention and workplace morale.

An EAP gives employees a safe space to seek help, and gives employers confidence that staff can access professional support whenever they need it.

Support your staff with 24/7 professional mental health help.

Find out more

Ireland employer FAQs

What are employers' legal responsibilities for mental health in Ireland?

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers must protect employees' safety, health and welfare, including their mental wellbeing. This includes identifying workplace hazards such as work-related stress, carrying out risk assessments and setting out how risks are managed in a safety statement.

How can Irish employers reduce mental-health-related sick leave?

Early intervention, flexible working, manager training and access to an EAP can help reduce sick leave.

What support should employers in Ireland offer staff?

Clear wellbeing policies, open communication, reasonable accommodation and access to professional support such as an EAP.

How does an EAP help Irish employers?

EAPs provide expert support, reduce HR pressure, improve wellbeing and strengthen organisational resilience.

Support your employees with an EAP

With an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) from Wisdom Wellbeing, we can offer you practical advice and support when it comes to dealing with workplace stress and anxiety. Our EAP provides guidance and supports your employees with their mental health in the workplace and at home, helping you create a safe, productive workplace that supports everyone.

EAP for Managers: How Employee Assistance Programmes Support Leaders in Ireland

Understanding Employee Assistance Programmes for Irish Employers

EAP Trauma & Critical Incident Support for Employers in Ireland

Wisdom Wellbeing

Wisdom Wellbeing provides clinically led Employee Assistance Programmes to organisations across the UK and Ireland. Specialising in mental health and wellbeing, we publish practical guidance for employees, employers and business owners, including articles written by our counsellors to offer expertise from a clinical perspective. We also write for students at college and university who want to improve and maintain their mental wellbeing.

Support your employees with an EAP

With an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) from Wisdom Wellbeing, we can offer you practical advice and support when it comes to dealing with workplace stress and anxiety issues.

Our EAP service provides guidance and supports your employees with their mental health in the workplace and at home. We can help you create a safe, productive workspace that supports all.