Employment dispute in Christchurch where a business faced consequences for dismissing an employee before their start date, resulting in an $18.5K payout.
Published 2 May 2023 | 2 min read
Over half of New Zealand workers are struggling with burnout at work. According to the Employment Hero Wellness Report, 53% of workers have experienced extreme fatigue within the past three months due to job shortages and the ongoing effects of Covid-19. This is a significant problem that needs to be addressed by employers who want to keep their employees happy and healthy.
Burnout is a never-ending cycle that can lead to low productivity and poor work-life balance. When employees feel burnt out, they are less likely to be engaged and productive at work, which can lead to even more stress and burnout.
However, there is a new perspective to think about when it comes to employee wellness. The Employment Hero Wellness Report found that employers who care about their employees' wellness are more likely to have loyal employees. In fact, employees who rated their employer's commitment to wellness as good were 50% more likely to say they were loyal to the business.
Positive failure: The benefits of prioritizing employee wellness are clear. When employees feel supported and cared for, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to their workplace. This can lead to lower turnover rates, higher morale, and a better company culture overall.
What can employers do to show their employees that they care about their wellness?
Here are some ideas:
- Offer flexible work arrangements: Remote work, flexible hours, and job sharing can all help employees achieve a better work-life balance
- Provide wellness benefits: Offer wellness programs, gym memberships, or mental health resources to employees.
- Foster a positive company culture: Encourage teamwork, recognition, and open communication to create a supportive and positive work environment.
- Lead by example: Show employees that you prioritise your own wellness and encourage them to do the same.
Employers in New Zealand have an advantage when it comes to employee wellness because Kiwis are accepting of others in the workplace. The Employment Hero Wellness Report found that 76% of workers agreed their workplace accepts them for who they are as a person. This creates a supportive environment where employees can feel comfortable seeking help and support when needed.
It's also important to note that while the majority of New Zealand workers are finding fulfillment in their work, the pandemic has caused many employees to question their careers. According to the Employment Hero Wellness Report, 41% of workers agree that Covid-19 has decreased the importance they place on their career. This means that employers need to be proactive in showing their employees that their work is valued and meaningful.
Lastly, it's worth noting that many employees in New Zealand are stressed about their finances. This is another area where employers can help by offering financial wellness resources or benefits. When employees feel financially secure, they are more likely to be engaged and productive at work.
In conclusion, prioritising employee wellness is not only the right thing to do, it's also good for business. Employers who care about their employees' wellness are more likely to have loyal and productive employees. By offering flexible work arrangements, wellness benefits, fostering a positive company culture, leading by example, and showing employees that their work is valued, employers can create a workplace that supports employee wellness and helps break the cycle of poor work-life balance, low productivity, and burnout.