TELUS Health released its TELUS Mental Health Index ("the Index"), revealing significant savings gaps and gender disparities across New Zealand's workforce that impact overall wellbeing. The report also shows that two in five workers have no emergency savings, while parents express mounting concerns about their children's mental health. Regional disparities further underscore the need for tailored wellbeing support.
"The current economic climate coupled with a labour shortage and mental health challenges is putting immense pressure on our workforce," said Julie Cressey, General Manager New Zealand, TELUS Health. "With financial concerns topping the list of personal stress for over half of working people in New Zealand, we're witnessing a significant ripple effect across communities and workplaces. Women and individuals in regions like the Waikato and Northland are bearing the brunt of this economic uncertainty, underscoring the critical need for tailored mental health support – a one-size-fits-all approach simply won't suffice in addressing these complex, localised challenges."
Positive work environments significantly impact employee mental health and wellbeing. TELUS Health data highlights this connection: workers in family-friendly workplaces – currently 56 per cent of organisations – report mental health scores of 62.8, more than two points above the national average of 60.6. The effect is even more pronounced among working parents, with those feeling supported by colleagues scoring 64.5. These findings underscore the crucial role workplace culture plays in mental wellbeing. While a supportive environment is foundational, structured wellbeing programmes remain essential to meeting the diverse needs of all employees and ensuring no one is overlooked.
The TELUS Mental Health Index also found:
- Thirty-one per cent of workers say their mental health negatively affects their productivity, with 40 per cent feeling overwhelmed.
- Financial concerns are the primary source of personal stress for more than half (54 per cent) of employees.
- Mental health risk affects 37 per cent of workers, with anxiety having the worst Mental Health Index sub-score at 53.4.
- Parents show significant concern for children's mental health, with scores 7 points below national average.
- Thirty-five per cent of parents experience guilt over limited family time.
- High workload ranks as a top workplace stressor for 31 per cent of employees.
- Women's mental health scores (58.9) trail behind men's (62.4).
- Family-friendly workplaces show mental health scores 2.2 points above average.
"In an era where financial insecurity and mental health disparities remain prevalent, employers who champion family-friendly workplaces and prioritise employee wellbeing cultivate more engaged teams and drive positive mental health and wellbeing outcomes," said Paula Allen, Global Leader, Research & Client Insights, TELUS Health. "Implementing wellbeing strategies that make workers feel supported and cared for is not only beneficial for employees, but crucial for sustaining organisational vitality, fostering a healthy company culture and ultimately driving business success."
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