Workplace health and wellbeing
Our pay, the social connections we have at work, and the types of jobs we take on, all impact physical and mental health, for workers and their whānau. Workplace wellbeing is about doing everyday business in a way that leads to a healthier, happier and more productive workplace.
On this page
Quality work
Features of good quality work, that support health and wellbeing include:
- a fair income
- job stability and security
- opportunities for training and progression
- healthy, safe and inclusive work environment and culture
- mechanisms to voice concerns
- feeling supported and valued at work
- having a good balance between job demands and resources
- support for workers and whānau health.
Work-related wellbeing: What good looks like — WorkSafe (external link)
Benefits of a healthy workforce
A healthy workforce has been shown to provide many benefits for both the employer and employee including:
- reduced costs relating to injury, absenteeism and presenteeism
- greater productivity and return on investment
- reduced absenteeism and presenteeism rates
- greater staff retention
- reduced risk of injury
- improved job satisfaction and
- a happier, more resilient workforce.
WorkWell
WorkWell is a free, workplace wellbeing programme run by public health. It supports workplaces to work better through wellbeing. The programme has been designed to guide workplaces through a simple step-by-step process. Developed around the latest research the multi-level approach ensures all aspects of the workplace are considered.
Your WorkWell advisor will guide you through the process to identify, prioritise and make improvements in priority wellbeing areas that have the biggest impact on the wellbeing of your staff. The priority wellbeing areas are:
- alcohol and other drugs
- breastfeeding friendly
- healthy eating
- infection control, immunisation and screening
- mental health and wellbeing
- physical activity
- smokefree
- sun safety.