High Levels of Work-Related Stress Declared in New Zealand Workplaces

Additionally, 31% of employees experienced work-related anxiety, 20% faced depression, and 11% reported new mental health issues. Key psychosocial risks contributing to these problems include high work pace, demands for emotional restraint, and significant quantitative workload expectations.

The report indicates that bullying remains a serious issue, with 23% of employees experiencing bullying and 16% encountering cyberbullying. Furthermore, 14% reported threats of violence, while 11% stated they faced sexual harassment or physical violence.

Peter McDevitt, head of health and safety at Peninsula New Zealand, emphasized that psychosocial risks can be as damaging as physical risks and affect all workplaces. He noted that workplace stress often results from how jobs are structured and managed, rather than being solely an individual problem.

Between 2017 and 2021, WorkSafe identified 246 cases of potential work-related suicide, of which 197 were classified as actual work-related suicides. Contributing factors included job demands, bullying, interpersonal relationships, and performance management.

Despite these alarming statistics, 66% of employers consider health and safety a genuine investment in their businesses. A majority (74%) report they actively stay updated with health and safety legislation, and 82% believe they foster a strong safety culture.

Employers have implemented various health and safety practices, including changes to work environments (57%), formal management plans (40%), and health monitoring (24%). However, employees have expressed a need for additional mental wellbeing support, highlighting the importance of job security, community at work, role clarity, and the meaning of their work.