90% of employers have noticed an increase in mental health challenges in the workplace since the pandemic, new research by Mental Health Ireland (MHI) has found.
The analysis also shows just 39% of employees feel their employer has strong mental health policies in place.
While a third felt the organisation that they work for does not adhere to such policies or put them into practice.
A similar proportion claimed working out of hours has an impact on their mental health, while a quarter said having few or no breaks does.
According to Mental Health Ireland the survey of 900 respondents shows work can be a direct challenge to mental health and there is a significant need for mental health support at work.
But despite the need for more to be done in the area, 86% of employers said they had noticed an increase in openness to talk about mental health within the workplace.
The results were published as Mental Health Ireland announced details of a new workplace framework it has produced to help guide and equip employers and staff with the tools to understand and manage mental health challenges in the workplace.
It will be launched on October 21st and training will be on offer next year from MHI.
"By attending to our mental health, we can avoid burnout, disengagement, absenteeism, and strained relationships in the workplace," said Martin Rogan, chief executive of Mental Health Ireland.
"The past two years have changed the world of work forever and we must embrace this new reality."
"In a competitive labour market, at a time of full employment, employers understand that focusing on mental health in the workplace has never been more important."
