Workers in Northern Ireland struggling with exhaustion and heavy workloads

Research from the CIPD suggests employers in Northern Ireland need to focus on improving their working practices in 2025, after over half (67%) of employees said they felt exhausted at work*, with 28% reporting their workload is too much.

In response, the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, is urging employers in Northern Ireland to improve the quality of jobs and workplace support for employees, to create better working lives for people in 2025. 

The research from the CIPD’s 2024 Good Work Index: Northern Ireland report – which surveyed close to 500 workers – reveals the stark impact work can have on people’s health. A quarter (25%) of employees in Northern Ireland said work has a negative impact on their mental health, and this rises to two-fifths (39%) for disabled employees.

Work-life balance 

The boundaries between our working and personal lives, and the right balance between the two, are crucial to our wellbeing. But over a quarter (27%) of employees in Northern Ireland also said they find it difficult to fulfil their commitments outside of work because of the amount of time spent on the job. This rises to over half (51%) for those who said they have excessive workloads.

These findings demonstrate the need for better communication and support from line managers to help workers achieve a better work-life-balance. However, a fifth (19%) of workers revealed they have no access to voice channels. These include one-to-one meetings with managers, team meetings, or online surveys. This means they are unlikely to be able to express any concerns they have and seek advice or support.

The recommendations for employers in the report, to support better working lives in Northern Ireland include:

•    Make flexible work, work – Ensure employees have access to flexible working arrangements, where possible – such as reduced hours, remote work or flexi-time options. This would help the growing number of people who are having to balance work with caring responsibilities, to achieve a better work-life-balance.

•    Prioritise employee wellbeing - Develop effective health and wellbeing strategies with a focus on management training. This will help ensure people managers have the required skills and knowledge to have open conversations with staff around workload, or more sensitive wellbeing issues, and provide appropriate support.

•    Give people a voice - Actively engage with your employees often and encourage them to speak-up and play an active role in influencing decisions. This feedback could boost innovation and productivity, as well as help employees to feel more valued and engaged.

Marek Zemanik, senior public policy advisor for the UK nations, CIPD said: 

“An engaged workforce is a productive workforce. But it’s clear from these findings that many workers are feeling disengaged and overwhelmed with work. The new year presents an ideal opportunity for employers to review their workforce strategies and improve work for employees, as well ensure managers are equipped to better support staff.

“While not all jobs can be transformed; improvements in areas such as flexibility, employee voice, and people management can play a huge part in improving job quality and boosting the morale and engagement of workers.”

Better rights for workers in Northern Ireland  

The Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill is expected to be introduced in early 2025 which will introduce new employment law changes in Northern Ireland with the aim of improving workers' rights.

As a trusted advisor to the Northern Ireland Executive, the CIPD is continuing to consult with its members on the proposals. These are expected to include the day-one right to request flexible working, carer’s leave, and neonatal care leave and pay, along with better redundancy protections and boosted paternity leave.

Zemanik commented:

“We share the Northern Ireland Executive’s ambition to raise employment standards along with job quality and create better work for all. If done right, these changes will help improve working lives and help drive economic and social benefits across Northern Ireland.”