NZ employee mental health nosedives during COVID-19

These are the main areas of concern for Kiwi employees

NZ employee mental health nosedives during COVID-19

October 10th marked World Mental Health Day – a time for employer to showcase their commitment to psychological health.

However, despite the fact that New Zealand has successfully stamped out COVID-19 for a second time, the impact of the virus is still being seen in employee mindsets.

A recent report from Hays found that just 42% of Kiwi employees rate their mental wellbeing as positive – down from 63% pre-COVID.

“Clearly COVID-19 has taken a toll on the mental health & wellbeing of New Zealand’s workforce, with employees pushed to their emotional limits,” says Adam Shapley, managing director of Hays in NZ.

“A growing focus on mental health & wellbeing was bubbling away in the background of the pre-crisis world of work, and while it has accelerated in response to COVID-19, it seems that more support is still needed.”

The top concerns hampering employee mental health were found to be financial (40%), return to work anxiety (29%), and isolation in remote work (28%).

How are you helping employees during these turbulent times? Tell us in the comments.

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