Celebrating Mental Health Week in the Workplace: Nurturing Wellbeing in Aotearoa Offices

Mental Health Week in New Zealand provides a timely reminder to prioritise wellbeing in the workplace. In today’s demanding work environments, mental health has become a crucial focus for businesses aiming to create happier, more productive, and connected teams. 

With 1 in 5 New Zealanders experiencing mental health challenges each year, according to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, it’s clear that workplaces play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of their employees. Mental health issues can affect anyone, and the impact on businesses is significant: poor mental health in the workplace costs New Zealand businesses an estimated 

$1.7 billion annually through lost productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism.

As Mental Health Week approaches, businesses have a valuable opportunity to take action, creating a supportive environment that prioritises mental health and nurtures employee wellbeing. Here are practical ways you can make a positive impact on your team’s mental health while fostering a culture of care and connection.

Encouraging your team to practise gratitude can have a profound effect on workplace morale. A “Gratitude Wall” gives employees a place to leave notes of appreciation for their colleagues or share something they’re thankful for. This not only boosts positivity but helps create a culture of kindness and support.

How to implement: Set up a wall or board in a shared space where employees can pin up their notes. You could even take it digital by creating a shared document or Slack channel for remote workers. Encourage everyone to take a few minutes each day during Mental Health Week to contribute.

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but taking regular wellness breaks is crucial for maintaining mental clarity and reducing stress. Encourage your team to step away from their desks for a few minutes of movement, fresh air, or simply a moment to reset during the day.

How to implement: Schedule “wellness breaks” throughout the week. These could include a 5-minute stretch, a short walk around the block, or some quiet time away from screens. By making these breaks a priority, you’ll help your team feel more energised and focused.

With our constant connection to devices, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by endless notifications and emails. A “Digital Detox Hour” gives employees the chance to take a break from screens, emails, and meetings, allowing them to focus on deeper work or simply unwind.

How to implement: Choose an hour each day during Mental Health Week where everyone puts their devices aside. Encourage your team to use this time for personal reflection, reading, or non-digital work. It’s a small, simple way to alleviate screen fatigue and promote mindfulness.

The office can sometimes be a bit too busy or noisy for those who need a moment to themselves. Setting up a quiet space where employees can go for a breather, meditate, or just relax can make a big difference in how they manage stress.

How to implement: Create a dedicated space in the office where employees can take a quiet break. This could be a small room or a corner with comfortable seating and low lighting. Providing resources like mindfulness guides or calming music can help make this space a real sanctuary for mental health.

Open conversations about mental health are key to reducing stigma and building a supportive workplace. Conversation circles allow employees to share their thoughts or challenges in a safe, relaxed environment, fostering deeper connections among the team.

How to implement: During Mental Health Week, schedule casual conversation circles for small groups. These discussions can focus on light topics like gratitude or self-care, giving employees a chance to talk about their experiences and listen to others in a supportive space.

Physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve mood. While not every team member may be able to hit the gym during work hours, promoting simple activities like desk stretches or walking meetings can still have a big impact.

How to implement: Organise daily movement sessions, such as stretch breaks, walking meetings, or even a step challenge for Mental Health Week. Encouraging employees to get moving during the day can help them feel more energised and less stressed.

Providing your team with access to mental health resources is essential for supporting their long-term wellbeing. By sharing information about the mental health services available to them, you’ll empower your team to seek help when they need it.

How to implement:Send out a list of available mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), online wellbeing tools, or recommended mindfulness apps like Mentemia. You could also organise a short workshop or talk from a mental health professional to give your team practical tools for managing stress and maintaining their mental health.

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for reducing anxiety and increasing focus. Introducing your team to these practices through a group session can provide valuable techniques for managing stress and enhancing mental clarity.

How to implement: Invite a mindfulness instructor to lead a group session, or guide your team through a simple breathing exercise. Offering this as an optional activity during Mental Health Week will give employees practical tools to support their mental wellbeing long after the week is over.

Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in the workplace. Whether it’s a kind word or a simple favour, promoting these gestures among your team during Mental Health Week can create a more positive, connected environment.

How to implement: Encourage your team to perform one small act of kindness each day during Mental Health Week. Whether it’s offering to help a colleague with a task, sharing a positive message, or simply showing appreciation, these acts will help foster a more supportive workplace culture.

Encouraging your team to take time for reflection allows them to better understand their mental health and how they can manage stress. Providing opportunities for reflection during Mental Health Week can help employees focus on what they need to stay mentally healthy.

How to implement: Offer reflective prompts or journaling activities for employees to engage with. Prompts like “What’s one small win I’ve had this week?” or “What’s something I can do to support my wellbeing?” can help your team think more deeply about their mental health. Provide a quiet space or dedicated time for these reflective exercises.

Mental Health Week is an excellent time to show your team that their mental wellbeing matters. With 46% of New Zealanders reporting that their work is a source of stress, it’s clear that creating supportive workplace environments is vital. By implementing these simple, office-friendly activities, you can create a workplace where employees feel supported, connected, and cared for.

Taking action during Mental Health Week is just the beginning. The key is to continue these initiatives beyond the week itself, making mental health a priority in your office year-round. Let’s work together to build a healthier, happier workforce across Aotearoa.