Stress
High levels of stress, often driven by heavy workloads, tight deadlines, job insecurity, and other psychosocial hazards, are widespread. According to a 2023 Southern Cross and BusinessNZ Workplace Wellness Survey, 91% of New Zealand businesses reported that stress was a significant issue. When your team experiences chronic stress, productivity and job satisfaction can decrease while days off increase. High stress levels can negatively impact your company’s bottom line and overall morale, necessitating workplace mental health training.
Burnout
Chronic stress, when left unmanaged, can lead to burnout, a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. The WHO officially recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon, and it is increasingly prevalent in high-demand industries such as healthcare, education, and professional services. Still, it is not limited to these sectors alone, with many businesses grappling with forms of stress and burnout. Burnout impacts both individuals, teams and the wider organisation. It can also lead to a decline in performance, increased employee turnover, and an overall adverse working environment.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health conditions globally, and Aotearoa is no exception. In the workplace, anxiety can manifest as constant worry, fear of failure, or excessive concern about job performance and relationships with colleagues. The competitive and uncertain nature of many workplaces today exacerbates feelings of anxiety, especially in fast-paced, high-pressure and constantly changing environments. Anxiety can hinder productivity, create a stressful atmosphere for your team, and negatively impact interpersonal relationships and communication.
Depression
Depression, characterised by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue, is another significant mental health concern in New Zealand, sometimes requiring mental health courses for workplaces. Depression can impact concentration, decision-making, and overall productivity, often leading to absenteeism or presenteeism (where individuals are present at work but not fully functioning). According to the Ministry of Health, about 1 in 6 New Zealand adults experience symptoms of depression at some point in their lives, and this can spill over into their professional roles.