The State of Mental Health in NZ Workplaces

Picture this: One in four New Zealand workers is flourishing, but that means three out of four aren’t. It’s a sobering statistic that highlights the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace. In fact, a 2020 survey revealed that 42.4% of respondents reported high psychosocial risk at work, leading to negative outcomes such as job strain and depression.

Why Should You Care?

You might be thinking, “I’m just trying to keep my business afloat. Why should I worry about mental health?” Well, here’s the kicker: investing in mental health and well-being isn’t just the right thing to do morally – it’s also a smart business move.

· Economic Benefits
Businesses that prioritize mental health report higher productivity, increased sales, and better customer satisfaction. It’s simple: when your employees are mentally healthy, they’re more creative, innovative, and solutions-focused. This gives your business a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced market.

· Legal Obligations
Managing health and safety risks associated with stress isn’t just good practice – it’s the law. As an employer, you’re required to provide a safe and healthy workplace, which includes mental health considerations.

· Consequences of Getting It Wrong
Ignoring mental health can lead to increased absenteeism, higher turnover rates, and even legal issues. The cost to the New Zealand economy due to absence is estimated at around $1.85 billion. Can your business afford to contribute to that figure?

Mental health at work doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s influenced by both internal and external factors:

Internal Factors: Workload and job demands, Workplace relationships, Job security, Autonomy and control

External Factors: Personal life stressors, Societal pressures, Economic conditions, Global events (like the COVID-19 pandemic)

Now that we understand the importance of mental health at work, let’s explore some practical steps to improve it:

Communicate You’re Why: Start by clearly articulating why mental health matters to your business. This sets the tone for your entire approach.

Provide Training and Education: Invest in mental health first aid training for managers and employees. This builds competence and awareness across your organization.

Encourage Employee Representation and Engagement: Create channels for employees to voice their concerns and ideas. This could be through regular check-ins, anonymous suggestion boxes, or employee committees.

Implement Toolbox Talks: Regular, informal discussions about health and safety topics can keep mental health at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

Conduct Risk Assessments: Regularly assess psychosocial risks in your workplace and take action to mitigate them.

Promote Well-being Initiatives: Implement programs that support overall well-being, such as flexible working arrangements, mindfulness sessions, or fitness challenges.

Ensure Compliance with Legislation: Stay up-to-date with mental health-related legislation and ensure your policies and practices are compliant.

Manage Change Effectively: Change can be a significant source of stress. Communicate changes clearly and provide support during transitions.

Implement Robust Accident and Incident Reporting: This includes mental health incidents. Encourage open reporting and use the data to improve your practices.

Consider Contract Management and Overlapping Duties: If you work with contractors, ensure there’s clarity around mental health responsibilities.
Offer employees an outside professional EAP service

Case Study: The Power of Small Actions

Meet Sarah, a small business owner in Wellington. After noticing increased stress levels among her team, she implemented a simple “mood check-in” at the start of each meeting. This small action opened up conversations about mental health and led to a 20% reduction in stress-related absences over six months.

Conclusion: Your Call to Action

Creating a mentally healthy workplace isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about fostering a culture where every employee can thrive. By taking steps to prioritize mental health, you’re not only fulfilling your moral and legal obligations but also setting your business up for long-term success. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to mental health organizations, utilize government resources, and connect with other SME owners to share experiences and strategies. So, what’s your first step going to be? Whether it’s implementing a well-being policy or simply starting conversations about mental health, every action counts. Your employees – and your business – will thank you for it.

Resources & Support:

Here are some key resources and support systems for workplace mental health in New Zealand, along with links for more information:

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand: Offers a range of resources including toolkits for improving mental wellness in the workplace. Their “Five Ways to Wellbeing at Work” toolkit is particularly useful.

Mental Health Foundation Resources
WorkSafe New Zealand: Provides guidance on creating mentally healthy workplaces, including managing psychosocial risks and supporting employees.

WorkSafe New Zealand
New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience: Focuses on enhancing wellbeing through effective planning and strategies tailored for workplace environments.

Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience
All Right?: A campaign that provides resources to help individuals and workplaces cope with mental health challenges, especially during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.