A toolkit to support workplaces to boost wellbeing and create flourishing teams will be launched on World Mental Health Day, by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and Health Promotion Agency (HPA).
The launch coincides with the World Federation of Mental Health’s 25th World Mental Health Day which this year focuses on ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing at Work Toolkit offers practical information, resources and know-how to make it easy for workplaces to support their people to build five simple actions into their daily lives.
Research shows that regularly practising the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give, and Take Notice – builds resilience, boosts wellbeing and lowers the risk of developing mental health problems.
“Building strong mental wellbeing for staff is one of the most valuable assets a business can have,” MHF chief executive Shaun Robinson says.
“People who believe their employer cares about their wellbeing are more engaged at work than others,” Robinson says.
“While any one of us may experience stress, anxiety and depression at some time in our lives, there are things workplaces can do to support their people to build resilience and have positive mental health, so they can cope with setbacks and take advantage of opportunities.”
Leadership focus
The toolkit also focuses on the role of leadership as the commitment of leaders and managers is one of the most important factors to achieving a mentally healthy workplace, Robinson adds.
“The Five Ways to Wellbeing help people take care of their mental health and wellbeing and are beneficial for everyone – whether you have a mental health problem or not,” he explains.
Mental health problems are common, with nearly one in two New Zealanders likely to meet the criteria for a mental illness at some time in their lives.
An Australian PwC analysis found workplaces who take effective action to create mentally healthy workplaces can expect a return on investment of $2.30 for every dollar spent.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing were originally developed by the New Economics Foundation in the UK and adapted for New Zealand by the Mental Health Foundation.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing at Work Toolkit is being launched during the MHF’s Mental Health Awareness Week, 9-15 October 2017, an annual campaign that draws attention to positive mental health and engages people in activities that improve their wellbeing.
