2024 Workplace Equality Report: Bullying, Harassment, and Parental Leave Challenges in Irish Workplaces
At Matrix Recruitment, we’re committed to understanding the issues shaping Irish workplaces so we can better support employers and employees alike. Our 2024 Workplace Equality Report, based on insights from nearly 1,300 workers across Ireland, highlights persistent challenges around bullying, harassment, and support for parents and caregivers.
Bullying and Harassment: A Significant Concern
Bullying remains a widespread issue, with 88% of respondents identifying it as a significant workplace problem. Alarmingly, almost a third (31%) have experienced bullying or harassment firsthand, while 23% have witnessed it.
The majority of incidents occur in physical workplaces (82%), though virtual settings account for 7%. Respondents reported experiencing:
Passive-aggressive remarks (66%)
Unjust criticism in front of colleagues (66%)
Being treated differently compared to peers (57%)
Regular disparaging remarks (44%)
Verbal abuse (31%)
Sexual harassment (8%)
Bullying has a clear impact on retention, with 38% of respondents leaving a job due to such experiences and another 35% considering it.
When it comes to reporting incidents, 55% raised concerns with HR or senior leaders, but only 20% felt these issues were handled effectively. Among those who chose not to report, 49% cited concerns over how the issue would be handled, and 39%of victims feared that reporting could worsen the situation. Women were more likely than men to worry about both factors.
Rena Weld, Regional Recruitment Manager at Matrix Recruitment, commented:
"These results reveal an urgent need for action to address the systemic challenges in our workplaces. Companies must focus on creating equitable environments, where every individual can thrive without fear of harassment or bullying. It’s clear from our survey that the current mechanisms for reporting bullying need significant improvement, it’s not just a matter of policy, it’s simply a matter of doing right by your staff.”
Parental Leave and Caregiving Support
The report also sheds light on the challenges faced by parents and caregivers. Over half (56%) of respondents believe taking parental leave negatively impacts career progression, with 60% of those affected being women.
Flexibility remains a critical issue, with 48% saying their workplace lacks adequate support for employees with caregiving responsibilities. Only 36% felt their workplace provided sufficient resources to balance work and caregiving.
Rena Weld added:
“Ireland’s workplaces need to create environments where parents and caregivers feel supported and encouraged. The reality is that employees with caregiving responsibilities contribute significantly to the workforce and deserve career opportunities that aren’t compromised by their commitments outside of work. Employers who recognise and act on this will benefit from higher retention and increased morale among staff, ultimately creating a stronger, more resilient workforce."
Building a More Inclusive Future Together
At Matrix Recruitment, we believe that every worker deserves a fair shot at success, and that businesses thrive when they embrace diversity and inclusion. Our 2024 Workplace Equality Report is just one of the ways we’re helping to drive change and foster understanding between employers and employees. We hope these insights inspire you to think about the steps your organisation can take to make a difference.
If you’re looking to build a more inclusive workplace or find a job where you can thrive, reach out to us today—together, we can create a brighter future.
