Nearly one in four people in New Zealand have struggled with their mental health. The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) mental wellbeing scale showed data from a 2021 survey saying that Kiwis aged 35–44 years had a low mean mental wellbeing score of 14.3 out 25. Mental wellbeing means feeling good about yourself and your life. Many things can affect how we feel, but one big factor is our work environment. Considering that most people spend 50% of their waking hours at work, it’s really important to make sure that work is a place where mental health is cared for. Why Mental Health at Work Matters How we think, feel, and act at work can affect everything from how much work we get done to how safely we do our jobs. If the workplace isn’t healthy, it can lead to a lot of stress, making mental health issues worse. When employees feel alone or hopeless, it can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses. The Cost of Poor Mental Health for Employers Mental health problems don’t just affect the person going through them—they impact their families, communities, and even the businesses they work for. In New Zealand, poor mental health costs the economy about 5% of the GDP every year. For employers, this can mean losing money due to things like absenteeism, lower productivity, and higher healthcare costs. Mental health issues actually cause more missed workdays and job performance problems than many other health conditions like diabetes or asthma. The Link Between Job Stress and Mental Health Research shows that job stress and other work-related issues are becoming some of the biggest causes of workplace-related illness and injury. The Health and Safety in Employment Act of 2015 requires employers to find and manage any risks that could harm employees, including stress. This means that stress at work isn’t just something to be ignored—it’s something that needs to be taken seriously. Challenges of Living with Mental Illness People with mental health conditions often have a harder time finding and keeping jobs. In New Zealand, those with mental health challenges are less likely to receive social benefits compared to other countries, which increases the risk of poverty. Some groups, like the LGBTIQ+ and Māori communities, face even more challenges when it comes to mental health and getting the help they need. This highlights the need for workplaces to create environments where mental health is prioritized, and everyone feels supported. Mental Health Awareness Week Mental Health Awareness Week, held from September 23 to 29 this 2024, is a great opportunity for employers to start making mental health and wellbeing a part of their workplace culture. This health promotion week has encouraged New Zealanders to talk about mental health with their friends, coworkers, and families. What Can Employers Do? Whether an employee already has a mental health condition or develops one during their time at work, it’s important for employers to create a supportive environment. Stressful or toxic workplaces can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Creating a Healthy Workplace A healthy and safe work environment can make a big difference in how employees feel. Employers should think about the kind of lifestyle they encourage at work. For example, expecting employees to work long hours or answer emails at home can lead to stress. Some ways to create a healthier workplace include encouraging exercise, offering breaks where employees can socialise, and providing stress-reduction workshops. Employers can also offer resources like mindfulness training or yoga classes. Leave Options for Workplace Stress If an employee’s stress turns into a serious illness, they may need to take sick leave. In some cases, they might need more time off, which would have to be agreed upon with the employer. Taking this time can help the employee get better and return to work healthy and productive. Implementing a Mental Health Policy Employers have a responsibility to manage health and safety risks at work, including those related to mental health. One way to do this is by creating a mental health policy that outlines how to support employees who are struggling. Supporting Employees with Mental Illness Supporting employees’ mental health helps them perform better at work. Employee Assistance Programs or EAPs are a great way to provide support, offering free counselling sessions and other resources that employees can access without worrying about costs. These programs can make a big difference in how employees handle challenges and improve their overall quality of life. Benefits of a Mentally Healthy Workplace Investing in employee wellbeing isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good for business. Research shows that for every dollar a business spends on wellbeing initiatives, they could see a return multiple times that amount. A mentally healthy workplace can reduce stress, improve morale, cut costs related to employee absence, boost productivity, and increase staff loyalty. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Many small business owners work long hours, often missing out on family time and personal commitments. This can make it hard to deal with the stress of running a business and leave them feeling like they have no one to talk to. If you want to promote positive mental health at work, it has to start with you. Business owners need to take care of their own mental health and learn how to manage the stress that comes with running a business. This article provides general information and should not replace medical advice. Please contact a medical professional such as your GP for any advice related to mental health.
