Working Well and Reducing Stress in the Workplace

MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION OF NEW ZEALAND

MEDIA RELEASE
02 AUGUST 2007

Working Well and Reducing Stress in the Workplace

“Employers need to do more to support workers and create mentally healthy workplaces” says Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.

This statement comes as New Zealand based research* states that excessive workloads and extreme time pressures can lead to depression and anxiety in employees.

Judi Clements comments:

“Employers have a responsibility to protect their employee’s mental wellbeing. Stressful work environments can lead to poor mental health, and increase the chance of a person developing depression or anxiety. Young adults in particular are more prone to developing mental illness triggered by work related stress.

“It is essential for employers and managers to put support structures in place to assist employees in their day-to-day work environment. A positive, mentally healthy workplace can and does prevent employees from experiencing episodes of anxiety or depression, which in turn reduces the future burden on health services.”

Employers need to be more proactive in accessing the wide range of information, support and services currently available in this area. Working Well - a Mental Health Foundation project - helps employers to create and maintain mentally healthy workplaces.

Working Well’s seminars and lunchtime sessions focus on a range of topics including work / life balance, reducing workplace stress, effective communication, supporting staff, a manager’s guide to mental illness, and building mentally health workplaces.

ENDS

© Scoop Media