Our recent client survey shows that while most of you favour working from home (WFH) a quarter have struggled with mental well-being and feelings of isolation.
Now our levels are down it’s good that workplaces can be opened up again to allow the return of those who need the office environment to feel better and to re-connect with colleagues.
The positive is that resources are available more than ever and there appears to be more openness in acknowledging and seeking support.
Xero has done an amazing job in this direction with its Xero Assistance Programme (XAP) to reach out to Kiwis in need. This is offered to all subscribers on Starter, Standard and Premium versions.
This service provides free and confidential wellbeing support to approximately 850,000 New Zealand small business owners, their employees and families. The service is available through Xero’s own provider, Benestar. Users have access to face-to-face, telephone, live chat and online counselling, as well as the Benehub and Benestar app.
For information about how to access XAP, email xap@xero.com
Xero also offers videos and tips to help you personally, as an employer or solo business operator:-
Xero wellbeing – videos and tips
Another positive resource is:-
Business resource – staying well
If you are an employer, have you thought about developing a health and wellbeing policy? Businesses that create a work environment where employees’ physical and mental wellbeing is considered have lower absenteeism, fewer injuries, and experience higher productivity and customer satisfaction. A company culture of support is also good for attracting and retaining employees.
Employees who feel healthy and supported are more productive, engaged, resilient, creative, and generally perform better.
Fifty percent of responders to our survey feel they are just as disciplined, productive, and inspired WFH versus the workplace with 27 percent reporting they work better. Twenty-three percent reported the opposite, with interruptions and distractions the main reasons.
A majority of 67 percent manage and are quite happy problem-solving on their own while a third are not, or miss collaborating.
