'Mindfulness and resilience training have become recognised as essential skills to live and lead in uncertain times'
The Employers and Manufacturers Association of New Zealand (EMA) is marking Mental Health Awareness Week with a reminder about the importance of mindfulness in the workplace.
Alan McDonald, EMA head of advocacy, said applying the principles of mindfulness will reduce stress among employees and improve awareness at work.
"Mindfulness and resilience training [have] become recognised as essential skills to live and lead in uncertain times," he said in a statement.
"By understanding where and how anxiety issues are triggered, we become better placed to 'short circuit' negative thinking before it snowballs into bigger issues. We can't control what happens to us, but we can better control how we interpret and react to these issues."
McDonald made the remarks as its 2024 Workplace Wellbeing survey results with nib New Zealand found declining mental and physical health in workplaces.
The report found that the cost-of-living crisis, risk of burnout, as well as the mental health and wellbeing of their family members, are taking a toll.
"With employees experiencing financial strain, health issues, concerns for the future, and more, it's no surprise that they're seeking stability in their current workplaces," he said.
"It's clear that when employers take steps to proactively manage wellbeing, employees respond positively, helping to alleviate some of the broader societal pressures."
New Zealand is currently in the middle of its annual Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs as a reminder to prioritise mental health.
