Almost two in three workers believe that their managers are not interested, do not understand or simply do not care if they are distressed at work, a new survey has found.

Over 650 men and women nationwide took part in the survey. It found that 60% of workers felt that their managers were not interested or did not care if they were distressed at work, while 40% received no support whatsoever from their managers when they were distressed.

Some 36% felt that a lack of understanding and support from their managers impacted negatively on their productivity.

However among those who did feel supported by their managers, 80% said this was because they felt listened to and there were specific communication policies in their workplace.

Meanwhile, work-related stress, unhappiness in work and troublesome relationships with managers and colleagues were the main reasons for almost 30% of people missing work.

The survey was carried out on behalf of Ag Eisteacht4Business and according to its coordinator, Declan Cunningham, feeling listening to has a huge impact on workplace morale. However, while most managers and CEOs ‘have good intentions and wish to support their workers', they are often ‘constrained by time and resources to really listen'.

"Open communication and active listening in the workplace are hugely important factors in combatting the reasons behind absenteeism that the survey revealed. Absenteeism is one of the most serious issues for any manager. The issue cost small firms €490 million in 2014 and the public sector €370 million in 2013," Mr Cunningham commented.

Ag Eisteacht4Business runs courses for managers, CEOs and other senior workers to help them to effectively respond to distress in their colleagues. It aims to reduce stress-related absenteeism and is based in Cork.