Supporting staff wellbeing – without breaking budget  

Employee wellbeing has become a boardroom priority – and for good reason. Based on insights from over 600 professionals and employers across Ireland, our Hays Ireland 2025 Working Well Report reveals that 95% of employers agree that positive wellbeing is crucial to organisational success. Alongside this, our Hays Ireland 2026 Salary & Recruiting Trends Guide – also based on over 600 survey responses – highlights how work-life balance, hybrid working, and career progression remain critical factors shaping employee satisfaction.

Moreover, our Wellbeing Report shows that 54% of professionals in Ireland often feel stressed at work, and nearly half (49%) have left a job due to inadequate wellbeing support – with a further 31% considering it. And yet, many organisations are still reluctant to invest in wellbeing initiatives, with over a third (34%) citing limited resources as a major challenge.

There’s a conception that meaningful wellbeing initiatives require deep pockets, large HR teams, and lavish perks. The truth? Wellbeing isn’t about luxury gym memberships or costly corporate retreats. It’s about creating a culture where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. And that doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Does wellbeing support really require big budgets?

The costs of being an employer are only increasing. SMEs will be paying particular attention to the new PRSI contribution that arrived in October, along with the introduction of auto-enrolment pensions early next year – both of which require additional budgeting and administrative burden. It’s understandable then why wellbeing may not be an immediate investment priority, but embedding positive wellbeing may have less to do with budgets, and more to do with intent.

Many organisations assume that improving wellbeing means investing in costly perks or hiring dedicated wellbeing officers. However, while these can help, they’re not the foundation of a healthy workplace. Our research highlights that what employees value most are practical, cultural changes that could cost little, but deliver lasting impact. 

1. Get the low-down on your workforce’s wellbeing

Sometimes, the best wellbeing strategy is simply listening. However, our Wellbeing Report found that only 40% of employers currently measure employee wellbeing, and without data, it’s impossible to design wellbeing strategies that truly resonate.

Fortunately, capturing your employees’ wellbeing needn’t involve costly software licences or labour-intensive internal campaigns. Free or low-cost tools like Google Forms (or Microsoft Forms) can help you run anonymous surveys to capture insights into mental, physical, social, and financial wellbeing. You can also make use of existing data – such as absenteeism rates, engagement scores, and exit interviews – to identify trends without additional spend. And for a more personal touch, consider voluntary peer-led focus groups, which can surface valuable insights at virtually no cost.

2. Offer greater career development

Our Wellbeing Report shows that a lack of career progression is a major concern for employees, with 40% citing it as a key factor negatively impacting their wellbeing. This aligns with our Salary Guide, where 54% of professionals identified lack of career progression and 51% cited limited career development opportunities as the main drivers of job dissatisfaction.

For example, job shadowing opportunities, mentoring relationships, or internal knowledge-sharing sessions can all help employees learn and grow. Moreover, encouraging individuals to set personal development goals can equally foster a sense of progress and purpose. These initiatives often require little more than time and planning, yet could significantly boost your employees’ sense of worth – and the value they bring to the business.

3. Stay open to flexible working

Despite the trend to bring staff back into the office, our Wellbeing Report indicates that flexible working options remain a key driver for positive employee wellbeing. According to surveyed professionals, 85% say that the option of hybrid working has had a positive impact on their wellbeing. Our Salary Guide reinforces this, with 50% of professionals saying they would not accept a job without hybrid working.

Flexible work arrangements are one of the most effective ways to support employee wellbeing, and for certain demographics and groups with protected characteristics, the positive impact of flexible working options could be amplified. Even small adjustments, like flexible start times, can make a difference for your people.

4. Set boundaries and respect personal time

While flexible working can undoubtedly promote better wellbeing, it can potentially blur the boundaries between work and home life. In fact, our Salary Guide shows that 58% of professionals report working overtime, most commonly 1–3 hours weekly, with nearly half (47%) receiving no compensation for this extra time. A further 14% often feel expected to be available outside contracted hours, while 33% say this is sometimes the case – underlining the importance of clear boundaries.

Encouraging employees to disconnect after hours is a simple yet powerful step towards more positive wellbeing. Leaders should set the example, avoiding the temptation to send non-urgent emails outside working hours, and encouraging staff to discuss and explore their hobbies and interests outside of work.

Ready to make wellbeing work?

Wellbeing isn’t about big budgets – it’s about big commitment. By understanding your workforce, leveraging existing resources, and embracing flexibility, organisations – regardless of their size and budget – can create a culture of positive wellbeing.

The return? Higher engagement, stronger retention, and a workforce that feels valued and supported. Sometimes, the smartest investment you can make is simply listening and acting with purpose.

Download our Hays Ireland 2025 Working Well Report for practical strategies to support employee wellbeing.

And sign up for our Hays Ireland 2026 Salary & Recruiting Trends Guide launch webinar on 19th November at 12pm to hear exclusive insights from our experts about the key trends shaping the workforce.