Mental health and wellbeing support
Resources to help you and your business keep healthy and well, including:
- staying mentally well when working alone
- how to spot warning signs of burnout
- minimising stress
- build-you-own health and wellbeing policy
- where to go for free advice and support.
Resources that can help
The Mental Health Foundation’s website has a range of tips and worksheets to reduce stress. Some help you spot the signs of stress, others help you identify what you need to stay well.
Minimising and managing workplace stress(external link) — Mental Health Foundation
Ways to wellbeing(external link) — Mental Health Foundation
Visit Wellplace for more articles, and resources to support mental health and wellbeing at work.
Also take a look at the tools on the Resilient Organisations website.
COVID-19 business resilience resources(external link) — Resilient Organisations
Check out Kiwi Business Boost. This business.govt.nz tool helps you find information and support tailored to your needs. Pick the health and wellbeing focus for advice on feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
Looking after your mental health
Support wellbeing in your workplace and help those who are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Check out the Mental Health Foundation’s COVID-19 workplace wellbeing resources.
Talking with your team about uncertain times
Change and uncertainty can take their toll on a business and its people. Here’s a round-up of tips and helpful resources to help navigate conversations.
Resilience: Tips for small business owners
It takes resilience to run a small business, especially in times of uncertainty. We asked an expert for mental wellbeing tips tailored for small business owners and sole traders.
Supporting your staff through personal challenges
It’s difficult to see people who’re having a tough time, but remember, even small actions of support from you can make a really big difference for the members of your team. Visit this page with your team to access resources that can support them through challenges.
Got questions or need support? Call the free COVID-19 Business Helpline.
All New Zealand businesses, including sole traders, can get support and advice on:
- government financial support, eg low-interest loans or tax relief
- what different alert levels mean for your business
- business continuity
- finding free or subsidised expert help, eg a business mentor or advisor.
Employers can also get specific advice on people challenges, including staffing changes, employee wellness, and meeting your health and safety obligations.
Call the free COVID-19 Business Helpline:
North Island 0800 500 362
South Island 0800 505 096
Looking after your employees
A health and wellbeing policy is an excellent way to build a positive and healthy workplace. Use our tool to create one for your business.
Checking in with your team
Take simple actions to introduce wellbeing into your workplace, with these free resources from Xero.
Based on advice from New Zealand health and wellbeing experts, The Check In is a five-step series designed to be easy to implement, and doesn’t need to cost any money.
Boss burnout: Spot warning signs in yourself
As a small business owner or manager, it’s important to keep an eye on your stress levels. Learn to spot warning signs and pick up tips to improve your wellbeing.
Owner-operators: Tips to beat isolation
Working alone can be isolating, and it can sometimes feel like your work is your life. It doesn’t need to be like that. Read on for tips to help you feel more connected.
Mental health for you and your staff
Kiwis spend many hours of their day at work, so the workplace has a big impact on their mental wellbeing and affects productivity. Here’s how to look after yourself and your employees when it comes to mental health.
Mental health in the workplace
Creating a mentally healthy work environment is good business. Find out what mental health is and how your business can benefit.
Minimising and managing workplace stress
Stress at work is normal but needs to be identified, minimised and managed. Read on for tips to keep you and your employees healthy and well.
Working solo: Tips to stay mentally well
If you work alone or in a small team, it can be easy to neglect your own wellbeing. Here are some ways to keep you feeling well and connected.
Call or text for free support
If you feel a bit overwhelmed, anxious or just want to talk, free services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- call or text 1737 for support from a trained counsellor
- Lifeline 0800 543 354 or text 4357
- Samaritans 0800 726 666
Helplines(external link) — Mental Health Foundation
Money and your mental health
Your mental and financial wellbeing are often inter-connected and if one is not going well, it can really impact the other. Tom Hartmann from Sorted shares insights and tips on how to recognise signs of money stress and how to deal with it.
Impostor syndrome: Feeling like a fraud
Many small business owners struggle with the fear that their success is down to luck rather than hard work or talent. If you feel like a fraud, it might be impostor syndrome. Try these tips to overcome your negative inner voice.
Great minds don’t always think alike
Conflict is a part of running a small business. Managed the right way, it can lead to positive things, like new ideas, products, services, or ways of doing business.