Kiwi workers' mental health declines for second consecutive quarter

TELUS Health releases Mental Health Index September 2023

BY Jodi Walters 20 Dec 2023

New Zealand workers are experiencing a concerning decline in mental health for the second consecutive quarter. The TELUS Health Mental Health Index for September 2023 revealed a score of 58.7 for Kiwi workers, marking a more than two-point drop since April.

Emphasising the critical need for employers to maintain a focus on well-being, Julie Cressey, TELUS Health general manager New Zealand, said, “There is a clear undercurrent of anxiety due to various factors.”

Anxiety remains a persistent issue, with the lowest mental health sub score for the third consecutive period. Calling the ongoing decline “tough to see,” Cressey added, “Whether it’s due to the current cost of living crisis, what’s been happening externally around the world, or what’s happening to workers personally, the reality is that it’s been really tough,” she continued highlighting that this challenging environment makes it more crucial than ever for employers to ensure their well-being strategies are effective and up to par.

To read the full report click here.

The Mental Health Index also delved into financial well-being, uncovering a significantly strained score of 56.8, lower than the mental health score.

Noting that organisations should recognise the importance of supporting employees in managing their finances, she said, “Financial literacy is a hard thing, and it doesn’t matter what your salary is – some people just struggle to know how to manage money.”

Cressey challenges the traditional mindset of leaving personal issues at home, stating that it is unrealistic and unsustainable. “It’s important to have leaders who can recognise warning signs and implement a solid support strategy via external providers,” she said highlighting the role of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) as a first line of defence.

“HR is a role where leaders carry a heavy emotional burden,” Cressey explains. “They’re in roles where they have the confidence of so many people, but they can’t necessarily share that. It’s so beneficial for them to have someone to talk to, and to make sure they’ve got strategies in place to look after themselves.”