Mental Health & Wellbeing

Good mental health is a recognised requirement for good physical health, and a vital part of overall wellbeing.

Poor mental health can cause or worsen a number of physical symptoms including headache, sleep disturbance, stomach upset, skin conditions, and breathing problems. In the longer term, chronic stress can also contribute to the development of more serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, stomach ulcers, substance abuse, and a weakened immune system.

The facts

• Between 10% and 30% of the New Zealand workforce is likely to be affected by mental health problems at any one time.
• 30% to 50% of work related stress can be directly attributed to bullying occurring within the workplace.
• Poor mental health increases the likelihood of sleep disturbance and anxiety, which can reduce the ability of your employees to concentrate on work tasks and production.
• Fatigue and other outcomes of stress and poor mental health can increase the likelihood of an employee being hurt in an accident. Affected employees may be distracted from their work tasks and may be slower to judge situations or to react if something goes wrong.

WorkWell for Mental Health & Wellbeing

One in five New Zealanders are affected by mental illness every year, with one in three reporting days where they feel unable to work or carry out their usual activities because of problems with their mental health. It is important to recognise that mental health is not just about mental illness.  Feeling tired, worried, or stressed can all be indicators of poor mental health.  

Work related stress is a leading cause of poor mental health in working aged adults, contributing to higher rates of depression and anxiety, staff turnover, absence from work, litigation, and overall poor performance.

Download the WorkWell for Mental Health & Wellbeing Toolkit.  Inside you’ll find documents and resources to help you ensure:

• Your mental health and wellbeing programme is effective, sustainable and integrates with other WorkWell initiatives.
• The reasons for implementing a mental health and wellbeing programme have been justified and help gain management approval.
• Your success in developing a mental health and wellbeing policy and  plan of action.

Remember all workplaces undertaking WorkWell Accreditation are eligible to attend the FREE WorkWell Workshops or access FREE support from one of the WorkWell Advisors.