Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
280. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will provide any research or Departmental analysis on the health and wellbeing benefits associated with remote working, including reduced stress, increased physical activity and lower mortality risk; whether these findings will inform future public health planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4530/26]
View answerThe Department is committed to promoting health and wellbeing throughout all workplaces in line with the National Healthy Workplace Framework which was published in 2021. This Framework aims to provide strategic direction and flexible guidance that can be adapted by organisations to help create and sustain health and wellbeing among the workforce. The healthy workplace website was launched in 2022 and provides a one stop shop in relation to information on health and wellbeing for both employers and employees.
One of the goals of the Framework is to enhance the availability of data in relation to worker health and consider the working conditions and work environment in the context of promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace. The first national survey on worker health and wellbeing was completed in late 2024 with results analysed in 2025 and publication expected in due course. These results will provide baseline data to inform the development of new interventions to promote health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Whilst some of the questions included in the survey related to work/life balance and flexible working there were no specific questions in relation to the health impact of remote working. However, it can be considered in future iterations.
