1 in 5 people will experience mental illness this year. Do you want to promote and protect mental health in New Zealand? We know how. Get in touch with our experts for commentary and interviews. Email: [email protected]
More adults are being diagnosed as neurodivergent. Here’s how employers can help in the workplace.
April 15th, 2024
There has been a rise in the number of people diagnosed with “neurodivergence” in adulthood over the past decade. This trend has been noted both internationally and in New Zealand. But exact rates of diagnoses in this country are difficult to quantify.
Seven Sharp – Can AI help fill the therapist shortage?
April 15th, 2024
It’s true that you can’t spell therapist without A and I but how would you feel about a robot brain helping you navigate what goes on inside your own noggin?
Dr Dougal Sutherland: How to handle change within your organisation
April 6th, 2024
Redundancies and restructures galore are taking place across every sector at the moment, and these changes can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Dougal Sutherland: New study on wellbeing in the workplace
March 23rd, 2024
Dougal Sutherland discusses a recent survey by Umbrella Wellbeing showing the large number of employees who feel that their mental wellbeing isn’t being prioritised, and the risk that poses for businesses.
Dougal Sutherland: Switching off From Work
March 19th, 2024
How many times do you check your emails a day – do you send emails outside regular work hours? Do you check your work emails after you knock off work, if you wake in the night will you check your emails or socials?
Dougal Sutherland: New priorities emerging for workers
March 9th, 2024
Career progression seems to be on the back burner for many kiwis. Randstand’s latest Workmonitor report found that employees are prioritising flexibility and mental health over career progression.
Future leaders or entitled whingers? Why younger workers want change
February 12th, 2024
Lyric Dixon grew up in a household where her father worked long hours, often in two jobs. Her grandmother stopped working only recently, retiring aged 72.
Dr Dougal Sutherland: Give the mental health of your business a WOF
February 10th, 2024
The start of a new year is often a good time to check in on how your business is going. Just like we’d take our car in for a WOF, it’s just as important to get a WOF done on the mental health and safety of your business.
New year, new job? Expert reveals workplace culture red flags as Kiwis job hunt in droves post-holidays.
February 3rd, 2024
Sunday scaries, bare minimum Mondays and quiet quitting. Most people know how draining a bad job can be, and research shows January is when people tend to do something about it.
Loss of confidence at work can be debilitating but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence
February 4th, 2024
Chronic lack of control, insufficient reward and recognition and a values mismatch can contribute to burnout and distress in the workplace.
Dr Dougal Sutherland: Umbrella Wellbeing Psychologist on beginning the year with oomph
January 27th, 2024
Top tips include daily scheduled activity, mapping your activities to match your personal energy flow, learning how to mentally switch off from work.
Mental health experts urge stronger protections at Parliament
January 17th, 2024
Mental health experts are calling for a bipartisan effort at Parliament to further increase protections for MPs and workers, after Green MP Golriz Ghahraman’s resignation.
Dougal Sutherland: Are you drinking too much at Christmas?
December 16th, 2023
‘Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry. Emphasis on drink. Increased alcohol consumption can be a problem at this time of year, especially as people are under increased amounts of stress and pressure.
More patients, nowhere near enough doctors – the mental health workforce problem that won’t go away
December 13th, 2023
When an historic $2b went into mental health, it fell into a workforce with no plan and not enough people to meet a “tidal wave” of demand for help.
How to avoid burnout – Full Story podcast
December 3rd, 2023
Many Australians feel overworked and overwhelmed at this time of year. Impending deadlines, cost-of-living pressures and the lead-up to the holiday season can combine to cause burnout.
Dougal Sutherland: Neurodiversity and ASD in the workplace
December 2nd, 2023
A few weeks ago we discussed ADHD in the workplace and how this is beginning to show up a lot in recent times. Following on from that, we are seeing a lot more people in the workplace with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder).
Dr Dougal Sutherland: Barriers men face when it comes to mental health and the ways around them
November 18th, 2023
In the middle of Movember, Dr Dougal Sutherland is joining Jack Tame to chat about the barriers men face to talking about their mental health and a few ways to get around these barriers.
Dougal Sutherland: What is ADHD and what workplace support is available?
November 4th, 2023
What is ADHD? Why is it an issue in the workplace. How to support at work.
ChatGPT revealed to outperform doctors in treating clinical depression
October 17th, 2023
Artificial intelligence could give some medical professionals a run for their money.
A recent study has found ChatGPT outperformed GPs in matching guidelines for recommending treatment for patients with depression.
Managers must monitor team workload but they also need to look after themselves
October 10th, 2023
When managers can’t fix all the problems faced by their teams, it’s time to reach out for support from peers and senior leaders.
Dr Dougal Sutherland: Quiet quitting – Saturday Morning with Jack Tame
October 7th, 2023
A recent Gallup poll shows that a majority of workers in NZ are not engaged or are “quiet quitting”.
4/10 say they are experiencing high levels of stress, 4/10 looking for new job, with managers playing a key role in determining whether people thrive or disengage at work.
Dr Dougal Sutherland: Mental Health Awareness Week and the Five Ways to Wellbeing
September 23rd, 2023
Mental Health Awareness Week is upon us, and Dr Dougal Sutherland has five ways to wellbeing to offer, plus some potential work-related activities.
Dougal Sutherland: What do we mean when we say “wellbeing”?
September 9th, 2023
It’s important to know what you mean so you’re clear on what you’re aiming for. Wellbeing could be defined in at least one of 3 ways…
Dougal Sutherland: Keeping mentally well in winter
August 26th, 2023
A lot of us get “the blues” during winter or feel a little down – for some people this is a more serious disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder where periods of depression are strongly linked to winter seasons.
A practical approach to wellbeing, a new book
August 18th, 2023
A new book sets out to challenge the idea that we need more stuff, or that need to be fixed in order to improve our wellbeing. The book is called Together: Te Oranga o te Katoa and it brings together together science, psychological insights and traditional Māori values. It’s full of practical tips. Co-author and clinical psychologist Gaynor Parkin talks to Charlotte.
High school principals face high level of psychological distress – survey
August 14th, 2023
The respondents said they worked on average 61 hours a week and the report said one principal advised that a better measure would be how many hours per week principals were not working.
Dr Dougal Sutherland: In office or working from home?
August 12th, 2023
Zoom is ordering people back to work in the office. Is this a good thing and how does your office affect your wellbeing and productivity?
Senior leaders struggling to motivate staff back into the office
August 9th, 2023
Senior leaders are struggling to motivate staff back into the office after staff become comfortable working from home during the pandemic.
Seven Sharp – The art of listening
August 7th, 2023
You might know these type of people…or you might be one yourself…the person who’s always got a better story to tell. It’s a habit that’s apparently quite annoying.
Dougal Sutherland: Is the way we work bad for our mental health?
July 29th, 2023
Dougal Sutherland, Clinical Psychologist from Umbrella Wellbeing, joined Jack Tame to talk about whether the way we work is mentally harming us.
Kiri Allan controversy puts spotlight on return to work after mental health leave
July 29th, 2023
When should someone return to work after mental health leave? The issue was highlighted recently when Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was criticised for Kiri Allan’s return to work following time off due to mental health issues.
Dougal Sutherland: What is ‘mindfulness’?
July 1st, 2023
We hear lots about “mindfulness” – it seems to be everywhere. But what actually is it and what does it do?
It’s 4 years since the NZ government pledged $1.9 billion for better mental health services – why are we still waiting?
June 22nd, 2023
A recent survey of New Zealand workplaces revealed more than a third have no workplace well-being plan in place. Yet it is necessary, now more than ever, for organisations to understand what a healthy work environment looks like and to provide it for their employees.
Overworked employees face higher risks of stroke, heart disease: report
May 31st, 2023
Many Kiwi workers are being pressured to work extended hours. That’s according to a survey from Umbrella Wellbeing of over 7,000 New Zealand-based workers that revealed 14% feel pressured to work long hours at work.
Switch your work iPhone off or we’ll do it for you, bosses tell workaholics
May 30th, 2023
Bosses increasingly wary of burning out staff are taking drastic steps to stop people working when on leave or sick, an employment advocate says.
The dilemma of switching off from work outside of hours
May 30th, 2023
Have you ever turned your mobile to flight mode on days off to avoid work calls? What about the dilemma of emails dive bombing your inbox after hours?
New study reveals Kiwis feel under immense pressure to work long hours
May 29th, 2023
A new study has revealed some Kiwis feel under immense pressure to work long hours and many are so swamped with work they can’t complete all their tasks.
New Study Reveals Kiwis Under High Levels Of Pressure To Work Long Hours
May 29th, 2023
A study of more than 1000 New Zealanders has implications for the reputations of organisations currently assessing how, where and when their employees should be working, and for attracting new employees.
Are New Zealanders becoming meaner?
May 18th, 2023
Our tempers are being tested by the stress of recent weather events, the cost of living crisis, and post-pandemic blues.
Urgent need to combat burnout in architecture industry
May 12th, 2023
More actions need to be taken to combat burnout in the architecture industry, according to the practice manager of an award-winning Auckland architecture studio.
Lessons from the 2008 GFC that can help us now
May 6th, 2023
Forty-eight per cent of voters surveyed in the 1News Kantar Public Poll said cost of living was the issue most likely to influence their vote this year.
Career experts: What to do if facing redundancy
April 15th, 2023
Attention spans are plummeting as desk workers juggle incoming pings, beeps and social media distractions. Is tech destroying our focus – at work and at home? By Sarah Catherall.
Sitting in meetings wanting to shout out ‘this is nonsense’ – what to do when work is a source of angst
April 12th, 2023
Recognising the toll of emotional labour and connecting with people in similar circumstances can help.
Why journaling your thoughts could actually make you a happier person
April 9th, 2023
Got a problem? These days someone might suggest you journal it. Not only has journal morphed into a verb but a widespread practice in self-care. People journal emotions, gratitude, goals etc. Why so specific and is it any different from keeping a diary?
Good business leadership during ordinary times
April 6th, 2023
OPINION: Following the recent news reports of global financial uncertainty, there has been a flurry of expert commentary discussing how to lead well through a crisis, what people need during a crisis, and what layers of support are best provided during a crisis.
Self care for cynics: Why ‘self-affirmation’ actually works, and how to start doing it
March 26th, 2023
“Money can’t buy you happiness”, said the actor and comedian Spike Milligan, “but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery”.
And now even the first part of that claim is very much in dispute, after a new study out of the USA cast doubt on previous assertions that happiness barely increases past a certain income threshold.
Beep off: How to stop work overwhelming your life
March 20th, 2023
Attention spans are plummeting as desk workers juggle incoming pings, beeps and social media distractions. Is tech destroying our focus – at work and at home? By Sarah Catherall.
Newsable: Can money buy you happiness? A US study seems to think so
March 20th, 2023
“Money can’t buy you happiness”, said the actor and comedian Spike Milligan, “but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery”.
And now even the first part of that claim is very much in dispute, after a new study out of the USA cast doubt on previous assertions that happiness barely increases past a certain income threshold.
Dougal Sutherland: Switching off From Work
March 19th, 2023
How many times do you check your emails a day – do you send emails outside regular work hours? Do you check your work emails after you knock off work, if you wake in the night will you check your emails or socials?
Telephobia: How to get over fear of phone calls
March 16th, 2023
For some people, making or answering the phone is an anxiety-inducing experience. The fear is called telephobia and is surprisingly common.
Business Panel: Hnry CEO James Fuller and Umbrella Wellbeing CEO Dougal Sutherland
March 8th, 2023
Together they dive into what they thought of Census 2023, Rob Campbell’s sacking and whether the same impartiality applies to the private sector, bullying in the workplace, National’s plan to axe Government consultants and the concept of ‘quiet quitting’.
Why this upcoming public holiday might trip you up
March 1st, 2023
If it’s feeling like it’s been a while since the last public holiday, the good news is we have three of them coming up in April (though parents whose kids will be home for most of the month thanks to school holidays might not be quite so excited).
Could keeping a gratitude journal make me, the office Eeyore, a happier person?
February 19th, 2023
OPINION: Needing to assign someone the task of keeping a gratitude journal, my news director turns to the team’s Eeyore.
How the cyclone will alter our economic, social and political landscapes
February 17th, 2023
Physical landscapes have been altered by the cyclone and it’s now clear that it will alter the country’s trajectory on big issues like climate change adaptation and infrastructure investment.
How to make friends at work (and why you should) | The Project NZ
February 15th, 2023
New research from the US has found having a workplace bestie can make you more productive, successful – and generally just pretty happy on the job. But in the age of remote working and social distancing – how do you make one?
Caring for a partner with dementia takes a heavy toll. Try holding on to the moments of joy.
February 13th, 2023
A two-sided approach of acknowledging the negatives while searching for pockets of happiness may help.
The unbearable weight of being Prime Minister
January 20th, 2023
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is done piloting the ship, citing a lack of gas in the tank. But with the incredible demand of top leadership roles, what else can be expected?
What Are The Signs Of Burnout, And How Can You Combat Them?
January 20th, 2023
Jacinda Ardern’s recent resignation from her Prime Ministerial role has put a spotlight on burnout
The summer holidays are over – but did you get a break or Covid-19?
January 9th, 2023
Many people will be heading back to their workplaces today, returning for the first time after their summer holidays. For some, it was a break marked with a Covid-19 infection or bad weather. In the week leading up to Christmas Day, 32,000 people tested positive for Covid-19.
Out of office: Will we regret the work-from-home revolution? – NZ Herald (paywall)
December 7th, 2022
The covid pandemic has promoted a radical change to the way many people work. But not everyone is convinced it’s a change for the better.
Study Finds That Organisation’s Reputations Will Be Won Or Lost By Remote Working Policies
November 29th, 2022
A study of more than 1000 New Zealanders has implications for the reputations of organisations currently assessing how, where and when their employees should be working, and for attracting new employees.
Take the plunge: How to overcome the anxiety of leaving a comfortable old job for something better
November 17th, 2022
With a new year around the corner and an incredibly tight labour market, power is well in the hands of candidates. If you’ve thought of embarking on a new job journey, now could be your moment.
The Project NZ – It’s time to find a new job
November 16th, 2022
In the last couple of years we’ve all become self-proclaimed experts on how a virus can spread…but here’s one you may not know about – the stress virus. Yes, scientists have discovered that just like other viruses, stress can be catchy.
Seven Sharp – Stress contagion … yes it’s a thing!
November 4th, 2022
In the last couple of years we’ve all become self-proclaimed experts on how a virus can spread…but here’s one you may not know about – the stress virus. Yes, scientists have discovered that just like other viruses, stress can be catchy.
Learning new skills can be daunting. Here are four ways to embrace being a beginner.
By Gaynor Parkin and Amanda Wallis.
October 30th, 2022
Many of us find grappling with unfamiliar demands anxiety-provoking. Try these steps to ease yourself in.
Seven Sharp – The good news about being around blue…
October 14th, 2022
According to Trade Me Jobs, nearly 70 percent of Kiwis plan to find a new job soon. And with high demand for workers, record salaries, and a ripe market — why not? Take the plunge and join the job hunt today.
Beware of burnout | AM
October 10th, 2022
Feeling cranky, tired, and lost the pep in your step? It could be more than just a bad mood.
Anxious Traveller: How to get past your pre-trip anxiety
September 23rd, 2022
OPINION: When it comes to travel, anticipation of a trip is said to be half the fun. If the lead-up to a trip causes you more anxiety than excitement, you’re not alone.
Are you job-obsessed? New Zealand joins global look at work addiction
September 18th, 2022
More than 50 countries across six continents are participating in research aiming to work out how people feel about their work – and if they are doing too much of it.
Making decisions can be terrifying. Stop worrying about being wrong and try to have a curious mindset instead
September 6th, 2022
Thoughts such as ‘this is too important to mess up’ can be daunting. Try these three steps to make confident choices.
What should HR do about mental health at work – HRNZ Magazine
August 31st, 2022
Ceara Nicolls, Research Associate at Umbrella Wellbeing, summarises the research and provides answers on what HR can do to create effective, proactive and meaningful mental health strategies.
‘It’s like we’re living at work’: Is working from home all it’s cracked up to be?
August 28th, 2022
Working from home has been a pandemic silver lining for many, but previous workplace issues are being replaced by new problems. Kevin Norquay reports.
All these All Blacks losses are great. They may actually make you happier
August 6th, 2022
OPINION: If you forced me to pick one word to describe All Blacks supporters … I’m sorry, but it’d have to be ‘’joyless’’.
Why it’s more important than ever for workplaces to have staff well-being plans
August 4th, 2022
A recent survey of New Zealand workplaces has revealed that more than a third have no workplace well-being plan in place.
Dodging Covid: Good genes, good management or good luck?
July 30th, 2022
Jayden van Leeuwen managed to avoid catching Covid-19 while sharing a small Wellington apartment with his partner while she had the virus.
No clear link between low serotonin and depression – study
July 22nd, 2022
A major international study has found no clear evidence that low serotonin levels are responsible for depression.
Why it’s more important than ever for workplaces to have staff well-being plans
July 21st, 2022
A recent survey of New Zealand workplaces revealed more than a third have no workplace well-being plan in place. Yet it is necessary, now more than ever, for organisations to understand what a healthy work environment looks like and to provide it for their employees.
Winter wellness
July 21st, 2022
Staying physically and mentally well can be hard during winter – so put yourself first.
Sports stars harness the power of music – and you can too
July 20th, 2022
Chiefs star Naitoa Ah Kuoi sings a few bars of his favourite songs and discusses the role music plays in helping him prepare to perform at his best on the rugby field.
Why it’s more important than ever for workplaces to have staff well-being plans
July 20th, 2022
A recent survey of New Zealand workplaces revealed more than a third have no workplace well-being plan in place. Yet it is necessary, now more than ever, for organisations to understand what a healthy work environment looks like and to provide it for their employees.
Seven Sharp – Does time fly when you’re having fun?
July 18th, 2022
With Dougal Sutherland.
Do you think this weekend went by too quickly? It’s probably because you had an empty schedule.
The surprising psychological bonus of Matariki
July 1st, 2022
Wondering why the Matariki public holiday felt so refreshing? It turns out, from a psychological point of view, Fridays off are the ones we enjoy the most. Chris Hyde reports.
What happens when exhausted health workers can no longer provide the care they want for their patients?
June 28th, 2022
OPINION: Healthcare workers in New Zealand already face life-and-death decisions daily. But as multiple winter illnesses add pressure to a system already stretched by Covid, staff now also have to deal with daily abuse, acute staff shortages and unsafe working conditions.
Moral injury: what happens when exhausted health workers can no longer provide the care they want for their patients
June 28th, 2022
Healthcare workers in New Zealand already face life-and-death decisions daily. But as multiple winter illnesses add pressure to a system already stretched by COVID, staff now also have to deal with daily abuse, acute staff shortages and unsafe working conditions. At times, they cannot provide the care they would like for their patients.
Great Minds: Growing a stronger mind in the garden
June 22nd, 2022
“Seeing people grow their own food for the first time had a significance you had to see to explain,” said Carlos Rippon.
Seven Sharp – Living with Life’s Lemons
June 22nd, 2022
From pandemics to recessions: how do we deal with the many lemon’s life keeps throwing at us?
How finding balance helped a father support his troubled daughter
June 12th, 2022
Figuring out how to support a loved one – without getting so caught up that we end up struggling ourselves – can feel like walking a tightrope.
Seven Sharp – Fancy a nap at work? So do half of NZ’s millennials
May 25th, 2022
Do you ever get tired at work? Wish you could take a quick power nap? Well, you’re not alone.
The age of hybrid working is here – how can businesses find the right mix between office and home?
May 11th, 2022
After more than two years of disruptions, lockdowns and uncertainty, employers are facing a new reckoning in 2022: getting staff back into the office.
Dubbed by some the “great hybrid return to work”, employers across a range of industries are being forced to consider what the work environment will look like for staff.
Hybrid working: How do businesses find the right mix between office and home?
May 11th, 2022
ANALYSIS: After more than two years of disruptions, lockdowns and uncertainty, employers are facing a new reckoning in 2022: getting staff back into the office.
Dubbed by some the “great hybrid return to work”, employers across a range of industries are being forced to consider what the work environment will look like for staff.
Great Minds: Advice for Tauranga businesses heading back into the office
Apr 27th, 2022
NZME’s Great Minds project will examine the state of our nation’s mental health and explore the growing impact mental health and anxiety has on Kiwis while searching for ways to improve it. Video / NZ Herald
Covid 19 Omicron: Ashley Bloomfield’s resignation shows work burnout risk
Apr 16th, 2022
Bloomfield has rightly received widespread praise for his efforts in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. But do we really want our leaders working 24/7 to the point of exhaustion and ultimately resignation?
Moving to orange: Experts respond to change in traffic light settings
Apr 13th, 2022
Covid-19 restrictions for all of New Zealand will ease from midnight tonight but a leading epidemiologist says the country is divided in its risk.
The overwork pandemic: Ashley Bloomfield’s resignation highlights burnout on the COVID-19 front line
Apr 12th, 2022
In Japan it’s known as karōshi. In China, guolaosi. The South Koreans call it gwarosa. The literal English translation is “death from overwork”.
The psychological impacts of NZ’s COVID-19 traffic light uncertainty | NewsHub
Apr 4th, 2022
Kiwis contending with uncertainty surrounding COVID traffic light settings isn’t a normal way to live and everyone will be responding differently, a psychologist says.
Enabling psychological wellbeing amid business disruption
Mar 29th, 2022
Clinical psychologist and CEO Gaynor Parkin shares insights for positive action on mental health and wellbeing drawn from international and NZ research, and Umbrella’s work supporting business leaders and senior teams navigating new challenges in 2022.
Money can buy you (11 minutes of) happiness
Feb 7th, 2022
It’s broadly agreed that people spend money to lessen suffering and increase enjoyment. But the answer to the age-old question isn’t so simple – unless, of course, you’re Jeff Bezos.
The Panel with Nuwanthie Samarakone and David Slack (Part 1)
Feb 4th, 2022
The Panel Part 1: Panellists Nuwanthie Samarakone and David Slack discuss ‘psychosocial hazards’ in the workplace due to omicron, using Kiwisaver for home deposits and soda bread!
When grit isn’t great: letting go rather than pushing through can help our wellbeing
Jan 17th, 2022
By Gaynor Parkin.
People with high levels of perseverance often persist with difficult tasks to their own detriment. There is value in knowing when to quit
Is it possible to let that go? Is there someone else who can help you? Could you defer it for a week?
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