This week, we are acknowledging Mental Health Awareness Week in New Zealand.
Mental health is an essential topic at Marc Doyle Treework because we believe that spreading awareness helps and assists our team members who may be suffering.
Experiencing mental distress is common, so all businesses need to know how to support their employees.
"One in five New Zealanders will receive a mental health diagnosis in a year."
We have listed below some advice for other businesses if they are struggling with mental health or need help on how to approach the topic. In addition, since we are an arboriculture business, we have listed the benefits of trees in our day-to-day lives and how they reduce stress.
How Marc Doyle Treework Addresses Wellbeing
At Marc Doyle Treework, we value our people.
Everyone looks out for each other because we care about what another person does, don’t offend another, make each other feel safe, and ensure we are happy.
To achieve this, we concentrate on our business culture. We employ the right person with the same values as the business. So when hiring a new employee, ask yourself.
- Does this person fit with our business culture?
- Do they have the same values?
- What type of person do I want to employ?
So, it all starts with your recruitment process when you are employing new people to join your team.
When discussing with your employees or colleagues, asking the right questions at the right time is essential. For example, a simple “How are you? How was your weekend?” can go a long way.
At Marc Doyle Treework, we always listen and try to find solutions if it's a work-related issue because not everyone feels comfortable asking or saying anything. It’s our job to ensure they feel listened to and help or improve anything at work.
Encouraging mental health awareness improves productivity and company performance. For example, you might notice less absenteeism, better workflow, and relationships at work. If you see the opposite, you need to chat with the employee and ask how they feel at work. It’s not always easy, but the employee will feel listened to and know they have access to the right resources if they need more help.
A mentally healthy workplace is good because:
- When people are healthy, they are generally positive, can reach their full potential and deal with the daily stresses of life.
- When employees are happy and satisfied, they will take less time off work, suffer injuries and leave for another job.
- When you are known to be an excellent place to work, it’s easier to recruit and keep workers.
How Trees Reduce The Stress Of Modern Life
Trees are beneficial to our mental health. They reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve overall mood, have a calming effect, spark creativity, increase brain activity and more.
Our day-to-day lives can feel overwhelming, especially when our phones take up most of our time. So when it’s the weekend, try not to look at any devices. It helps to disconnect once in a while and enjoy time with family and friends.
Since this year’s theme is Reconnect, we thought it would be great to share some of our favourite walks/hikes in the Waikato so you can reconnect with nature.
Going for walks to get fresh air is a great way to reduce stress and think about the present. Take a moment to look around, say hi to someone and see what nature offers.
We are fortunate to have access to many walking trails in the Waikato. Here are some of our favourite ones:
Hakarimata Summit Track, Ngāruawāhia
An excellent short walk if you love walking more than 1000 stairs and is great for workouts after work.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Pukeatua
A beautiful protected mountain with different walking trails.
This is an excellent park with accessible trails and different peaks. If you feel like a small challenge, walk up the Ruapene Summit or if you feel like a challenge, climb up Mount Pirongia and stay there for a night at the summit’s hut.
Mount Kakepuku, Te Awamutu
This walk is accessible by foot or on a mountain bike. It takes about 1 hour to get to the summit. It’s a great family hike, and you can admire New Zealand birds.
Wairere Falls, Matamata
It is one of the most beautiful hikes in the region, with breathtaking views. We recommend climbing on a sunny day with no wind because you might get very wet at the top of the waterfalls.
Te Tapui Scenic Reserve, Richmond Downs
This is a great and easy walk with the family.
When discussing mental health in the workplace with your employees, the most important thing is being honest, listening, noticing changes in behaviour and being open with each other.
For more information and helpful resources, visit the Mental Health Awareness Week.
