A concerning trend has emerged in Irish workplaces: one in five workers are struggling with illegal substance use, according to the latest laya healthcare Workplace Wellbeing Index. Launched today at Croke Park, Dublin, this comprehensive annual report, now in its fifth year, provides crucial insights into the evolving landscape of employee wellbeing in Ireland. Business leaders are invited to attend a free virtual summit on November 12th, featuring expert speakers Dr. Sumi Dunne, Brian Pennie, and Brendan Courtney, to delve deeper into these critical issues.
The 2024 Index reveals that 16% of employees are addicted to or have an unhealthy relationship with Class A or illicit drugs. Overall, two in five Irish workers report addiction to or an unhealthy relationship with at least one substance, with nicotine (29%) and alcohol (21%) being the most prevalent.
The data shows that men, those aged 24 and under, and those with a disability or health condition are more likely to struggle with addiction. Concerningly, senior managers are also more likely to report unhealthy relationships with substances compared to those in more junior roles.
Beyond substance use, the Index highlights the growing prevalence of other addictions impacting the workplace. Almost a third of workers (33%) admit to an unhealthy relationship with social media, while 30% report the same about work itself. One in five respondents identify similar struggles with pornography or sex, mirroring the figure (19%) for gambling addiction.
Sinéad Proos, Head of Health & Wellbeing at Laya Healthcare, commented on the findings: “Employers should recognise addiction as a serious issue impacting Irish workplaces, encompassing substance use, gambling, and social media. While these results are concerning, they also present a valuable opportunity for employers to prioritise employee wellbeing. By fostering a supportive culture and providing access to resources like counselling and employee assistance programs, we can support and empower employees to make the first steps towards improving their health and wellbeing.”
Health Conditions, Disabilities, and Disclosure in the Workplace
The Index also sheds light on the prevalence of health conditions and disabilities among Irish workers. A significant one in two employees report living with an underlying health condition or mental wellbeing issue. Anxiety and depression are the most commonly cited conditions, with one in ten Irish employees having a diagnosis of depression.
Concerningly, the data reveals a disconnect between employees and their organizations regarding these issues. 54% of those with a health condition or disability admit they would be embarrassed to speak to their employer about it, while one in two with a mental health condition fear being treated differently if they disclose it to their employer. Furthermore, nearly half of all employees (48%) are unaware of the support resources available to them.
The Index highlights the disparity in diagnosis rates between physical and mental health conditions. People with physical conditions are more likely to have a formal diagnosis than those with mental health or communication difficulties. For example, while most people with a visual or hearing impairment have been diagnosed, the rates are significantly lower for anxiety and speech and language problems.
Sinéad Proos emphasized the need for improved communication: “Employers and employees need to communicate more openly about health conditions and disabilities. Not having a diagnosis or feeling unable to discuss needed support can cause unnecessary stress and hardship for team members. It’s crucial that organisations prioritise clear communication about health and wellbeing resources, making them easily accessible so employees can get the support they deserve.”
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
The Index also explored the topic of neurodiversity, with 15% of employees reporting that they live with a neurodiverse condition. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is the most common, affecting 7% of respondents, followed by autism (4%) and dyslexia (3%). However, many neurodiverse employees lack a formal diagnosis, with only 43% of those with autism, 39% with ADHD, and 49% with dyslexia having received an official diagnosis. The data also indicates a reluctance to disclose neurodiversity in the workplace, with less than half of employees with these conditions informing their employers.
Shifting Trends in Ways of Working
The Index highlights a clear trend towards hybrid and fully on-site working models. Only 10% of employees now work remotely full-time, compared to 26% working hybrid and 64% working on-site full-time. Half of HR respondents reported increasing the number of office-based days in the last year, citing positive impacts on productivity (52%), collaboration (50%), and staff wellbeing (41%).
However, the "always on" culture persists for many employees, with 37% regularly contacted outside of work hours via email, WhatsApp on personal numbers, and personal phones. This highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining work-life balance, despite the "right to disconnect" legislation.
Laya healthcare is the number one health and wellbeing provider with over 2,500 wellbeing programmes and over 2,000 corporate clients nationwide. For more information on laya healthcare’s Workplace Wellbeing Index 2024, and to register for the launch of the laya healthcare Workplace Wellbeing Index 2025 virtual event taking place on Tuesday 12th November at 9.30am – 12pm visit https://www.layahealthcare.ie/wellbeingindex