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]

Dr Dougal Sutherland: Working from home and the advantages of a hybrid model

October 5th, 2024

Although working from home might have been new for many of us under Covid, research in the area has been going on for decades. Hybrid working gives the best of both worlds – 2 or 3 days in the office and 2 or 3 days at home.

Listen here >

Stats NZ wellbeing report: Are Kiwis better off now than they were in 2021?

September 25th, 2024

Stats NZ has published the latest official wellbeing data – revealing whether or not Kiwis’ satisfaction with life has dipped. Despite two years of economic turmoil and recession, people’s overall satisfaction with life is at a 7.6 out of 10 – a similar rating to 2021, when the economy was better.

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Can CEOs afford duvet days? Breaking the mental health stigma at the top

September 25th, 2024

We’re talking about mental health more these days, but can executive leaders really put it into practice with a ‘duvet day’? We decided to find out and made a striking finding about mental health at the C-suite level.

Listen here >

‘Don’t suffer alone’: Managing mental health in a cost-of-living crisis

September 21st, 2024

A 2024 survey of 1,229 workers across all generations by the Employers and Manufacturers Association and insurance company nib, shows 74% of Gen Z (16 to 30 year olds) workers have been negatively impacted by the cost of living.

Listen here >

Understanding the middle aged male with Matt Heath and Dr Dougal Sutherland

September 21st, 2024

So today, Francesca and Louise are turning their attention on middle-aged men – why do men get so down as they get older, how can they open up, and is ‘male menopause’ really a thing?

Listen here >

Dougal Sutherland: The benefits of ‘dreamscrolling’

September 21st, 2024

A new phenomenon has emerged: dreamscrolling. The opposite of doomscrolling, dreamscrolling has people looking at dream purchases or things they’d one day like to own – houses being a common choice. It even seems to have some benefits when done in the workplace, both to those doing it, and the organisation.

Listen here >

Dougal Sutherland: Is the UK’s 4-day working week really a good thing?

September 7th, 2024

On the face of it the 4-day working week sounds like a good thing, but the devil is in the detail. Recently in the UK the government has indicated they may strengthen workers’ rights to request this – however, it’s the right to request 40 hours compressed into 4 10 hour days, rather than 5 8-hour days.

Listen here >

Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast

August 24th, 2024

Psychologist Dougal Sutherland emphasises the importance of sleep and shares tips to try and combat sleep disruption.

Listen here >

Dougal Sutherland: Are older workers better at setting work-life boundaries?

August 10th, 2024

“Older” employees, Gen X and Boomers, those who are over 45years, are sometimes accused of not being as skilled at utilising the benefits of tech in their work. Whilst that might be true for some, new research shows that these older workers tend to be more effective in setting clear work and nonwork boundaries when working from home and in managing their time.

Listen here >

Idealog: 5 August 2024

July 27th, 2024

This four-part series looks at the new way Kiwis are working and the innovations that could change everything. Part one is focused on what hybrid working actually is and why Kiwis love it so much.

Listen here >

The Weekend Collective: 27 July 2024

July 27th, 2024

Is it possible to break out of the stigma and be a successful step-parent? Dougal Sutherland joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to discuss this and more.

Listen here >

Dougal Sutherland: Saturday Morning with Jack Tame

July 27th, 2024

We hear a lot about the negative health impacts of loneliness, and yet this series of studies suggests that most of us are reluctant to reach out to old friends – even though that’s one of the fastest ways to boost our social connections.

Listen here >

Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast: 13 July 2024

July 13th, 2024

Jack Tame discusses the pioneers of one of New Zealand’s most popular music genres in celebrating 25 years together – Nick Robinson of Shapeshifter discusses the quarter century. Jack considers the countdown on Biden’s withdrawal. And blockbuster Twisters is in cinemas.

Listen here >

Mental health targets aren’t enough – unless NZ backs them up with more detail and funding

July 15th, 2024

On the face of it, the government’s recently announced targets for improving mental health care are laudable. But without more detail about how those targets will be achieved – and funded – New Zealand’s struggling mental health sector is still running on hope.

Read More >

Dougal Sutherland: Dry July and unhealthy drinking habits

June 29th, 2024

With Dry July kicking off in a couple days, Dougal Sutherland believes it’s a good time for people to think about their alcohol consumption.

Listen here >

Cosmos

Expert reaction: hybrid work includes great benefits for women

June 16th, 2024

Years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced office workers into impromptu working-from-home setups, many workplaces are yet to fully embrace a return to the office, and a new study out of a Chinese tech company shows this is likely not a bad thing.

Read More >

Dougal Sutherland: Umbrella Wellbeing Psychologist on job uncertainty

June 15th, 2024

In April, Massey Business School Survey found that the highest levels of burnout are among clerical workers, education professionals, office managers and health professionals.

Listen here >

Seven Sharp – Do you return your shopping trolley?

June 10th, 2024

The shopping trolley debate has been raging in the States after a psychologist went viral for posting about NOT doing it.

Watch here >

Dr Dougal Sutherland: How video games can help you unwind from work

June 1st, 2024

Some new research out recently found that in contrast to what we often hear about gaming, playing video games may help to replenish our energy and boost recovery from work-related stress.

Listen here >

Breaking down the cost of workplace bullying

May 18th, 2024

Workplace bullying has come with a high price tag. It’s estimated that it costs New Zealand around $1.5 billion a year, 50% of the costs arising from the impact on female workers.

Listen here >

The Guardian

If a chronic health condition is making you feel guilty for not being ‘perfect’, try some self-compassion

May 12th, 2024

Higher levels of health-related guilt are linked with feeling worse in our bodies, poorer emotional health and greater social isolation.

Read More >

Dougal Sutherland: Workplace bullying

May 4th, 2024

There’s been reports that this has increased since COVID, particularly online. People usually think there is a particular “personality type” that engages in bullying and therefore in order to stop it we just have to root out those particular people.

Listen here >

Stuff

Newsable: ADHD treatment need soaring, but majority not getting any

May 3rd, 2024

Clinical psychologist Dougal Sutherland spoke to Newsable about challenges people with ADHD are facing in New Zealand. The majority of New Zealand adults in need of ADHD treatment aren’t receiving any.

Read More >

Ten times as many Kiwis prescribed ADHD medication

May 3rd, 2024

More adult Kiwis are receiving ADHD medicine than ever before. There’s been a tenfold increase in the amount dispensed for adults between 2006 and 2022, today’s Medical Journal study has revealed.

Listen here >

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.

Read More >

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?

Watch now >

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.

Listen here >

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.

Listen here >

Radio NZ

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?

Read More >

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.

Listen here >

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.

Read More (NZ Herald subscribers only) >

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.

Listen here >

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.

Read More >

The Guardian

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.

Read More >

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.

Listen here >

Radio NZ

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.

Read More >

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.

Listen here >

Radio NZ

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.

Read More >

The Guardian

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.

Listen here >

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).

Listen here >

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.

Listen here >

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.

Listen here >

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.

Listen here >

The Guardian

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.

Read more >

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.

Listen here >

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.

Listen here >

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…

Listen here >

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.

Listen here >

Radio NZ

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.

Read More >

Radio NZ

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.

Read More >

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?

Listen here >

TVNZ Breakfast

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.

Watch now >

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.

Watch now >

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.

Listen here >

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.

Read More >

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?

Listen here >

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.

Read More >

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.

Read More >

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.

Read More (NZ Herald subscribers only) >

Radio NZ

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?

Read More >

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.

Read More >

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.

Read More >

1 News

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.

Read More >

Te Waha Nui

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.

Read More >

Stuff

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.

Read More >

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.

Read More >

The Guardian

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.

Read more >

Stuff

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?

Read More >

Stuff

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.

Read More >

Stuff

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.

Read More >

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.

Read More (NZ Herald subscribers only) >

Stuff

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.

Read More >

Radio NZ

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?

Read More >

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.

Read More >

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’.

Listen here >

Stuff

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).

Read More >

Stuff

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.

Read More >

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.

Read More >

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?

Watch now >

The Guardian

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.

Read more >

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?

Read More >

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

Read More >

Radio NZ

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.

Read More >

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.

Read More (NZ Herald subscribers only) >

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.

Read More >

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.

Read More >

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.

Watch now >

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.

Watch now >

The Guardian

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.

Read more >

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.

Watch now >

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.

Watch Now >

Stuff

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.

Read More >

Stuff

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.

Read More >

The Guardian

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.

Read more >

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.

Read More on page 18 >

Stuff

‘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.

Read More >

Stuff

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’’.

Read More >

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.

Read More >

Stuff

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.

Read More >

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.

Watch now >

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.

Read More >

Winter wellness

July 21st, 2022

Staying physically and mentally well can be hard during winter – so put yourself first.

Read More >

Stuff

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.

Read More >

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.

Read More >

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.

Watch now >

Stuff

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.

Read More >

Stuff

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.

Read More >

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.

Read More >

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.

Read More (NZ Herald subscribers only) >

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?

Watch now >

The Guardian

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.

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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.

Watch now >

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.

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Stuff

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.

Read More >

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

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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?

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Radio NZ

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.

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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”.

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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.

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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.

Watch the Webinar >

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.

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Radio NZ

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!

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The Guardian

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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