Workplace Wellbeing

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#Workplace Wellbeing

Advice and guidance on career paths, workplace woes, and more

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>James de Burca was a full-time restaurant chef, but since becoming a father to Ella, he has taken a more flexible approach to work, running his own food business and offering food-training courses around his daughter’s schedule. Picture: Dylan Vaughan</p>

health and wellbeing

'Many dads don’t want to be the main breadwinner — they want to be involved in family life'

Most Irish dads want to spend more time at home with their children, but limited and poorly funded parenting leave makes it difficult for many

<p>Debbie Downer's and Negative Nigels can drag down the vibes at the workplace Picture: iStock </p>

health and wellbeing

Workplace Wellbeing: How to deal with negative people at work

<p>Shelley Coleman is excited about her career plan. Pictures: Julien Behal</p>

health and wellbeing

Workplace Wellbeing: Tips for springing into a new career

Want to retire early? Here's how to prepare and find purpose in your retirement

health and wellbeing

Want to retire early? Here's how to prepare and find purpose in your retirement

AISLING MCCARTHY

health and wellbeing

This charity bakes birthday cakes for the homeless: ‘I get great satisfaction from giving back’

Dáithí O Sé.png

Dear Dáithí: Work whip-arounds are endless. Am I being stingy if I don’t contribute?

What Stands Apart

Workplace Wellbeing: How to find your footing when life changes

Work has inevitable ups and downs, so we need to be adaptable. The good news is that resilience is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be learned

Fri, 15 May, 2026

All work and no play is a recipe for burnout: 'We’re not machines, and we all need recovery time'

All work and no play is a recipe for burnout: 'We’re not machines, and we all need recovery time'

We lionise hard work, but responsibility to your employer should not include skipping lunch or forgoing holiday leave, as this can undermine your health

Fri, 08 May, 2026

Workplace Wellbeing: how to dress to express your role at work and build a personal brand

You don’t need Miranda Priestly’s budget to look good at work. It’s more about finding the right personal style than following the latest trends

Fri, 01 May, 2026

Employees doing stretching exercises during their break at a warehouse

Workplace Wellbeing: When good intentions at work miss the mark

With interest in workplace wellness initiatives growing, experts warn that ‘one-size-fits-all’ interventions may not address core employee concerns

Fri, 24 Apr, 2026

'After my cancer treatment, the Springboard+ course came at just the right time for me,' says Aideen

'After my cancer treatment, the Springboard+ course came at just the right time for me,' says Aideen

Boost your employability with free and funded Springboard+ courses, all over Ireland; interviews with HEA lead and course participant

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

Bussines woman focused on her work

Workplace wellbeing: Tired of the job but can’t work out what to do?

When the mid-career milestones of pay rises and promotions are no longer satisfying, you may find yourself in a slump. Should you change career or try to love the one you have anew?

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

How to give thanks and reap the rewards: the science behind gratitude

How to give thanks and reap the rewards: the science behind gratitude

Gratitude, whether felt or expressed, is good for mental health, and compliments at work are an employer’s greatest asset in improving performance. The Irish should learn to be less suspicious

Fri, 03 Apr, 2026

Entering the twilight zone... meet the workers on the nightshift

Entering the twilight zone... meet the workers on the nightshift

A house alarm agent, a council road worker, and a radio presenter tell Jonathan deBurca Butler what it's like earning their crust while most of us are asleep

Mon, 23 Mar, 2026

Businesswoman Backache

Back pain after sitting at your desk all day? Here are some simple hacks to try

From how we set up our workstations to movement breaks, Sharon Ní Chonchúir discovers some practical ways desk-based workers can head off musculoskeletal issues

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

Their plans for success is already succeeding

Why we’re not all open to open-plan offices

Working together in the same space can encourage interaction and sharing of ideas, but it can also push quieter people further into their ‘shells’

Fri, 13 Mar, 2026

businesswoman working in office on desk using calculator and pen with sunshine

Irish worker racially harassed after repeated 'potato' jibes by British boss

Tribunal rules repeated ‘potato’, ‘Paddy’ and ‘p*key’ remarks towards Irish bookkeeper were offensive, humiliating and racially motivated

Tue, 10 Mar, 2026

Intreo job Centre stock

Welfare benefits cut for 11,000 people who failed to engage with jobseekers services

Social protection minister Dara Calleary confirmed the crackdown, stating that there are 'rights and responsibilities' to jobseekers' eligibility

Sun, 08 Mar, 2026

Paula McGovern: Put down the cupcakes — women in business are still far from equal

Paula McGovern: Put down the cupcakes — women in business are still far from equal

International Women's Day in many workplaces is marked by celebration but little to challenge an entire business ecosystem that's designed for men, writes Paula McGovern

Sun, 08 Mar, 2026

Woman working from home enjoying coffee with husband

Remote working: Unions accuse Government of trying to 'fob off' workers with review

The Labour Party also said: 'There is no credible evidence that forcing people back into offices improves performance.'

Thu, 05 Mar, 2026

Employees with disabilities bring a lot to the table: ‘With the right support, there are so many jobs’

Employees with disabilities bring a lot to the table: ‘With the right support, there are so many jobs’

Employees with disabilities often bring a broad skillset to the workplace, including valuable life experience and strong problem-solving abilities

Fri, 27 Feb, 2026

Irish workers 'short-changed' by unfair pay – Ictu

Irish workers 'short-changed' by unfair pay – Ictu

Irish Congress of Trade Unions poll suggests 52% of workers feel their pay does not match their contribution to their job

Mon, 23 Feb, 2026

Inter-Firm Dragon Boat Challenge builds teams beyond the desk and across the River Lee

Inter-Firm Dragon Boat Challenge builds teams beyond the desk and across the River Lee

Events promoting workplace relationships are an ideal way to encourage communication and trust between staff members. But it’s best to match the challenge to employees’ abilities

Fri, 20 Feb, 2026

Businessman using smartphone with social media like and heart icons for digital communication and marketing

Strain of keeping up professional appearances

Networking platforms like LinkedIn can be vital for ambitious businesses or workers, but moderation is key for both mental health and success

Fri, 13 Feb, 2026

Are you actually taking your lunch break at work? Here's why skipping it is bad for your health

Are you actually taking your lunch break at work? Here's why skipping it is bad for your health

Skipping breaks during the day might seem productive, but our minds and bodies need regular rest and food to perform at their best

Fri, 06 Feb, 2026

It developer overwork office closeup. Exhausted man project manager rubbing eyes

Richard Hogan: Workplace bullies are always found out — here's how to cope in the meantime

Here's my advice if you find yourself becoming consumed with anxiety and uncertainty when the boss starts to pick on you

Thu, 05 Feb, 2026

Workplace burnout: 'I was so stressed in 2016 I ended the year with a collapsed lung'

Workplace burnout: 'I was so stressed in 2016 I ended the year with a collapsed lung'

Social-media photos of ‘successful’ lives often mask the painful struggle of managing career and family, with some teetering on the brink of burnout

Mon, 02 Feb, 2026

Juggling breastfeeding and a full-time job: 'I worried about finding time to pump'

Juggling breastfeeding and a full-time job: 'I worried about finding time to pump'

In spite of our low breastfeeding rate, Ireland is taking the right steps to support mothers returning to work

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

Businesses adding ‘small acts of kindness’ to the agenda

Businesses adding ‘small acts of kindness’ to the agenda

Along with giving financial support to local community groups and charities, companies are also encouraging staff members to volunteer

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

Two businesspeople standing face to face

Workplace Wellbeing: Working out the best ways to resolve workplace conflicts

Instead of attempting to eliminate workplace confrontations, experts say a better approach is to learn how to manage conflict

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

Remote working: Employers should work with staff but they cannot solve traffic jams

Remote working: Employers should work with staff but they cannot solve traffic jams

Denis O’Brien caused a stir when he hit out at remote working. While Damien McCarthy does not concur with all of Mr O'Brien's points, he welcomes a rare voice speaking up for employers

Mon, 05 Jan, 2026

A pensive businessman sits at his desk with closed eyes, taking a moment for himself in a modern office.

Mindfulness ‘can make all the difference to our working day’

Tuning in and finding stillness can help us cope with a working day filled with non-stop deadlines, meetings, and instant messages

Fri, 02 Jan, 2026

'See every misstep as a lesson': Well-known faces share career advice they'd give to their younger selves

'See every misstep as a lesson': Well-known faces share career advice they'd give to their younger selves

Take every opportunity going, push yourself outside your comfort zone, and don’t try to figure out every step, say high-profile people and professionals

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Worried employee working at office in christmas

Workplace Wellbeing: How to take a positive approach to to-do lists

If you’re finding the combination of work pressures, social obligations, and festive planning overwhelming, our experts have a number of strategies to help you cope.

Fri, 12 Dec, 2025

Workplace Wellbeing: Put rest first to be at your best

Workplace Wellbeing: Put rest first to be at your best

Busyness has come to be seen as a badge of honour, but when it’s relentless to the point where you don’t take all your annual leave, it becomes counterproductive

Fri, 05 Dec, 2025

Businesspeople Getting Bored In Office

Why meetings can harm worker wellbeing

Every meeting should start with a simple question: Why are we meeting?

Wed, 03 Dec, 2025

Beautiful young businesswomen having a break of work while drinking cup of coffee at home.

Workplace Wellbeing: You get out of your network what you put into it

Building positive relations with co-workers can boost workplace wellbeing and reduce stress levels, improving communication and engagement

Fri, 28 Nov, 2025

Pharmacist who was shown graphic images of genitalia by male colleague awarded almost €90,000

Pharmacist who was shown graphic images of genitalia by male colleague awarded almost €90,000

After making a formal complaint of sexual harassment to her line manager, an interview regarding her complaint did not take place for eight months

Tue, 11 Nov, 2025

Working Life: I was 24 and absolutely naive when I took over the pharmacy

Working Life: I was 24 and absolutely naive when I took over the pharmacy

Oonagh O’Hagan, pharmacist, Dublin

Mon, 27 Oct, 2025

Workplace Wellbeing: Volunteering becomes its own reward

Workplace Wellbeing: Volunteering becomes its own reward

Lending a hand to those in need can give back just as much, sometimes offering volunteers the opportunity to discover their career path or explore a new work direction.

Fri, 24 Oct, 2025

Women stay silent on health issues for fear of co-workers' opinions

Women stay silent on health issues for fear of co-workers' opinions

Sumi Dunne, a GP and expert on women’s health, discusses a Laya survey showing 87% of women have experienced at least one female health-related condition, but don't talk about it at work

Fri, 17 Oct, 2025

Why you don’t have to burn out to be successful

Why you don’t have to burn out to be successful

Looking back, the warning signs were there: constant tiredness, emotional flatness, skipping the things that brought me joy because there was 'no time'. I didn’t connect them to burnout until my body made the connection for me, says wellness coach Gillian O'Gorman who supports people in developing clear boundaries in their professional and personal life

Fri, 10 Oct, 2025

Cropped shot of three young businessmpeople working together on a laptop in their office late at night

Workplace Wellbeing: Teamwork can turn effort into excellence

Tap in to a work network — fear of asking for help can delay progress or even lead to higher stress levels

Fri, 10 Oct, 2025

Pink note on wall with text STOP BEING TOO NICE - concept of self reminder to stop trying so hard to be nice , pleasing those ar

Workplace Wellbeing: How to get over that people-pleasing urge

Fear is often the driving force behind being a people pleaser. But it can lead to exhaustion and burnout. Better to learn how to stand up for yourself and get your needs met

Fri, 03 Oct, 2025

Beautiful young businesswomen having a break of work while drinking cup of coffee at home.

Workplace Wellbeing: How to master the art of small talk

Many of us dread it, but casual conversation is often the first step to meaningful connections, and with a few simple tools, it doesn’t have to be a chore

Fri, 19 Sep, 2025

Pink piggy bank standing among white question marks on white background. Illustration of the concept of investment strategies an

Workplace Wellbeing: Are you saving enough for your retirement?

A distinct gender gap in Ireland exists when it comes to pensions, and it’s vital that women take a proactive approach to investing in their future security

Fri, 12 Sep, 2025

We ditched our desk jobs to spend more time in nature — here's why

We ditched our desk jobs to spend more time in nature — here's why

If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the conventional working world in favour of something more bucolic, you’re not the only one

Sat, 06 Sep, 2025

Aer Lingus takeover proposal

Aer Lingus cabin crew member who suffered miscarriage after flight takes unfair dismissal case

Woman has also filed complaints against airline to the Workplace Relations Commission

Wed, 03 Sep, 2025

Working Life: Your career path doesn’t have to be traditional to lead to success

Working Life: Your career path doesn’t have to be traditional to lead to success

Sharon Scanlan, advisory partner, head of Healthcare and Life Sciences, Grant Thornton

Fri, 15 Aug, 2025

Working Life: My interest in gardening isn’t random... my great grandfather was head gardener at a stately home

Working Life: My interest in gardening isn’t random... my great grandfather was head gardener at a stately home

Covid prompted me to re-evaluate my life, when I found myself working a lot from home. I saw that I could be making better use of my time than spending hours commuting every day

Fri, 08 Aug, 2025