When it comes to workplace wellbeing, many organisations in Ireland still see mental health as a tick-box exercise — something that belongs in an annual training session or on a policy page.
But the truth is far more urgent.
Getting mental health wrong in your business isn’t just a cultural mistake — it’s a financial one, a leadership one, and a human one.
💭 The Hidden Crisis Behind Irish Workplaces
According to the ESRI and Mental Health Ireland, over one in four employees in Ireland report experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. Yet, only a fraction feel comfortable speaking to their employer about it.
The Health and Safety Authority reports that stress, depression, and anxiety are now the leading causes of work-related illness in Ireland — accounting for over half of all workplace absences.
For a company of 100 employees, that can translate into:
- €120,000+ in annual lost productivity
- Declining engagement and retention
- Rising burnout and presenteeism (people showing up, but not switched on)
These aren’t just numbers — they’re the people you depend on. The colleague who once led with energy now just gets through the day. The manager who used to inspire their team, now runs on autopilot.
When mental health isn’t part of business strategy, your best people fade — silently.
⚙️ The Ripple Effect of Getting It Wrong
Failing to address mental health properly creates a ripple effect that hits every level of your organisation:
- Culture becomes reactive, not resilient.
Employees stop speaking up. Fear replaces trust. Innovation dies in silence. - Leaders feel ill-equipped.
Without training, even the best managers avoid conversations that could save someone’s career — or life. - Turnover increases.
People leave when they feel unseen. Replacing an employee in Ireland costs between 6–9 months’ salary, according to IBEC. - Brand reputation suffers.
In today’s market, people want to work for companies that care, not just those that pay.
In short — mental health isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s a leadership responsibility.
🌱 What Happens When You Get It Right
The good news? Businesses that take mental health seriously see measurable results:
- Higher productivity and morale
- Lower absenteeism and turnover
- Improved teamwork, communication, and trust
- A stronger employer brand that attracts the right people
But beyond the numbers, something even more powerful happens:
People feel safe. They bring their full selves to work. And in that safety, performance naturally follows.
At Pure Mind Momentum, we call this the shift from conversation to change to consistency — our “Three C’s” framework that helps organisations turn awareness into action, and action into culture.
🔁 Where to Begin
You don’t need to have all the answers — you just need to start the conversation.
Whether it’s a company-wide awareness talk, leadership workshop, or long-term wellbeing strategy, every step you take builds a stronger, safer workplace.
Because when you get mental health right, everything else — culture, collaboration, creativity — follows.
💬 Ready to Start the Conversation?
If you’d like to learn how to make mental health a living, measurable part of your business, get in touch with Pure Mind Momentum.
We help Irish businesses move from tick-box wellbeing to true cultural transformation — through conversation, change, and consistency.
👉 Contact us today to create real mental health momentum in your organisation.