June/July 2011
This time we take a special look at alcohol and other drugs in the workplace - how it affects colleagues, what you can do about it and where to go for more information and support.
We’ve also made it simpler for you to join Working Well’s online community, and given our one-hour presentations a winter makeover!
If you think others would benefit from receiving Working Well Matters, please forward this email to them so they can subscribe.
Until next time!
Mauri ora,
Shaughan Woodcock,
Acting Working Well Manager
Contents
- In the News
- Research and Resources
- Toolkit Feature: Alcohol and other Drugs
- Working Well Presentations
- Join Working Well: Now even easier
- Working Well Toolkit
In the News
Working Well programme features in Safeguard magazine
Full article
An article looking at the benefits of having a mentally healthy work environment. "By creating and managing a mentally healthy workplace, employers not only see an increase in employee productivity, but benefit through a reduction in accident levels, lower absence rates and improved staff morale, making it an essential element in the success of any organisation, no matter how large or small".
Safeguard magazine explores all aspects of workplace health and safety in New Zealand.
Mental health impact on Christchurch
Source: (2011 June) TVNZ
Listen now
Psychologist Iris Fontanilla looks at the mental impact from the ongoing Christchurch quakes.
Companies should help employees deal with stress
Source:(2011 June) Stuff.co.nz
Full article
Companies should conduct a "stress audit" on their staff at least once a year to find out how their workers are really coping with the demands of their jobs.
But it takes good communication and willingness to explore problems, says an expert in workplace stress.
Tapping skill, expertise and knowledge - an interview with MHF staff member Marie Hull-Brown
Source: (2011 May) EEO Trust, Julie Middleton
Full article
Marie Hull-Brown started her working life in 1948 as an officer in London's Metropolitan Police. These days, aged 84, she's still going strong in her role at the Mental Health Foundation. According to CEO Judi Clements, "She gives our organisation more credibility, authority and market penetration."
Taking breaks helps worker productivity
Source: (2011, May) NZ Herald
Full article
Some people think the more hours they put into their work, the more productive they are - this is not necessarily the case.
Push for more workplace drug testing
Source: (2011, May) TVNZ / Newstalk ZB
Full article
An employment lawyer is encouraging bosses to push ahead with workplace drug testing, despite a recent case that rebounded against a company.
More articles of interest can be viewed in the news section on Working Well’s website.
Research / Resources
Workplace wellbeing on Maungataturi Mountain: The connection between ecological restoration and workplace happiness
Roche, Maree & Rolley, Carollyn (2011). Journal of Applied Business Research (JABR), 27 (2). pp. 115-146. ISSN 2157-8834
Full Article
This study reports on findings from the restoration of Maungatautari Ecological Island Reserve, New Zealand. Twenty-one farming workplaces were affected by the restoration process. Findings highlight how an enhanced workplace context, via the restoration process, aided individual wellbeing in terms of developing meaning and social connectivity in previously isolated work places. The findings lend support to the notion that human resource academics and practitioners may find the contributions of positive psychology aid in enhancing meaning and social connectivity at work, leveraging workplace and employee potential and wellbeing.
What a difference five ways make
(2011, May) Sorcha Mahony: Researcher, Centre for Well-being, New Economics Foundation.
Blog
The Five Ways to Wellbeing were developed by nef (the new economics foundation) as part of the government’s Foresight Project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing. The Foresight project was a two-year, state-of-the-science review led by the Government Office for Science and published in 2008[ii]. It synthesised research from some 400 scientists on the causes and consequences of mental capital and wellbeing, and explored the challenges for government in supporting the mental well-being of the population.
Toolkit Feature: Alcohol and other Drugs
In this issue we look at alcohol and other drugs - how it affects colleagues, what you can do about it and where to go for more information and support. We also include an online test and questionaire, developed by ALAC, to test how well you're drinking.
Full Article
Working Well Presentations
Learn about the issues and some strategies around mental health in the workplace with these 1-hour lecture-style presentations. Topics include:
- How to maintain a good life balance
- Work, family and home in today's environment.
- Capacity for working smarter.
- Food, mood and physical activity
- Depression and anxiety
To find out more or schedule a presentation for your next training session, annual or quarterly conference, retreat, staff, union or association meeting, lunch and learn, or power breakfast - contact Shaughan Woodcock: shaughan "at" mentalhealth.org.nz
Join Working Well’s Online Community: Now even easier!
Join Working Well today for only $495.00 (excl GST) annually.
Working Well’s online community members gain access to a secure login area with a number of features and benefits as well as 15% discount on workplace training packages, conferences and public workshops!
If you are not already a member of Working Well, but interested in finding out more, contact Shaughan Woodcock: shaughan "at" mentalhealth.org.nz
Working Well Toolkit
A range of mental health topics are available to the Working Well online community. Organisations wanting to take advantage of the online material through the members’ only section can do so here.
Or you can purchase your copy of the Working Well Toolkit at the special price of 19.95 incl GST (excl p&p)
