Workplaces in Ireland can be stressful places, and more and more that stress is showing up as anger. Sometimes we brush it off — “sure, every job is like that” — but when conflict becomes the norm, it chips away at people. Morale drops, good staff leave, and the whole place feels heavy.
I remember in my NHS days working with a woman who told me she thought being shouted at in meetings was just “part of the job.” She had normalised it so much that she didn’t notice how tense she felt on her drive to work every morning. That’s the problem with workplace anger — you can get used to it. But if you leave it unchecked, it can creep up until it’s affecting your health, your sleep, and even your home life.
Healthy teams talk, not shout — explore anger management techniques to build calm, assertive communication at work.
Why Workplaces Boil Over
Recent Irish data shows 3 out of 4 organisations experienced workplace conflict last year. From what I’ve seen, the main culprits are:
- Poor management. When instructions are unclear or people feel unsupported, frustration builds quickly.
- Weak performance processes. If feedback is inconsistent or effort goes unnoticed, resentment grows.
- Communication breakdowns. Half-said instructions, crossed wires, or colleagues talking about each other instead of to each other.
And all this is happening against a backdrop of stress. The ESRI reported that job stress doubled in just five years. Add bullying or harassment, and you can see why tempers flare.
What Happens if Nothing’s Done
When anger is ignored, the cost is high. Staff morale dips, productivity takes a hit, and people walk away. Replacing them is expensive, but the personal toll is heavier.
I often say to clients: your body doesn’t know whether the threat is a wild animal or a boss glaring at you. It reacts the same way. That’s why workplace anger feels so draining — your nervous system is on constant alert.
If You’re the One Feeling Angry
If you notice yourself snapping or carrying resentment, here are a few things that help:
- Pause. When you feel the anger rise, don’t fire off an email. Step outside, get a coffee, give yourself space.
- Check your thoughts. Anger is often fuelled by interpretation. One client thought her manager “hated” her, but really he was just overwhelmed. Ask yourself: is this about me, or is it about them?
- Be clear and calm. Use “I” statements: “I feel under pressure when work lands last minute. Can we plan earlier?”It’s much more effective than sarcasm or silence.
- Know your rights. If you’re dealing with bullying, your workplace should have a grievance process, and the WRC is there if that doesn’t work.
If You’re Managing People
Managers often set the tone. I’ve seen entire teams thrive under one manager, then struggle under another, even though the work itself stayed the same.
- Train managers in how to give feedback and handle conflict.
- Create a culture where people can speak up without fear.
- Have clear, fair policies — and use mediation early before problems escalate.
Padraig’s Story
Padraig, a manager in Dublin, had a team member, Liam, who reacted badly to any feedback. Meetings became tense, and the rest of the team dreaded them.
Instead of ignoring it, Padraig, with HR’s support, sat down with Liam when things were calm. He explained what he’d noticed, used “I” statements, and set out what needed to change. He also reminded Liam about the company’s Employee Assistance Programme. Bit by bit, things improved, and the team could breathe again.
Final Thoughts
Anger in the workplace is real, and it’s rising here in Ireland. If you’re an employee, it means catching yourself before things blow up and finding healthier ways to respond. If you’re a manager, it means creating a fairer, safer culture.
And if you notice yourself getting used to it — that sense of dread before a meeting, or thinking “sure, that’s just work”— don’t ignore it. Anger doesn’t disappear when you pretend it’s not there. It builds.
But it can be managed. With the right tools and the right culture, workplaces can be respectful, productive places where people actually want to stay.
