1 in 5 people will experience mental illness this year. Do you want to promote and protect mental health in New Zealand? We know how. Get in touch with our experts for commentary and interviews. Email: media@umbrella.org.nz
Self care for cynics: Why ‘self-affirmation’ actually works, and how to start doing it
March 26th, 2023
“Money can’t buy you happiness”, said the actor and comedian Spike Milligan, “but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery”.
And now even the first part of that claim is very much in dispute, after a new study out of the USA cast doubt on previous assertions that happiness barely increases past a certain income threshold.
Beep off: How to stop work overwhelming your life
March 20th, 2023
Attention spans are plummeting as desk workers juggle incoming pings, beeps and social media distractions. Is tech destroying our focus – at work and at home? By Sarah Catherall.
Newsable: Can money buy you happiness? A US study seems to think so
March 20th, 2023
“Money can’t buy you happiness”, said the actor and comedian Spike Milligan, “but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery”.
And now even the first part of that claim is very much in dispute, after a new study out of the USA cast doubt on previous assertions that happiness barely increases past a certain income threshold.
Dougal Sutherland: Switching off From Work
March 19th, 2023
How many times do you check your emails a day – do you send emails outside regular work hours? Do you check your work emails after you knock off work, if you wake in the night will you check your emails or socials?
Telephobia: How to get over fear of phone calls
March 16th, 2023
For some people, making or answering the phone is an anxiety-inducing experience. The fear is called telephobia and is surprisingly common.
Business Panel: Hnry CEO James Fuller and Umbrella Wellbeing CEO Dougal Sutherland
March 8th, 2023
Together they dive into what they thought of Census 2023, Rob Campbell’s sacking and whether the same impartiality applies to the private sector, bullying in the workplace, National’s plan to axe Government consultants and the concept of ‘quiet quitting’.
Why this upcoming public holiday might trip you up
March 1st, 2023
If it’s feeling like it’s been a while since the last public holiday, the good news is we have three of them coming up in April (though parents whose kids will be home for most of the month thanks to school holidays might not be quite so excited).
Could keeping a gratitude journal make me, the office Eeyore, a happier person?
February 19th, 2023
OPINION: Needing to assign someone the task of keeping a gratitude journal, my news director turns to the team’s Eeyore.
How the cyclone will alter our economic, social and political landscapes
February 17th, 2023
Physical landscapes have been altered by the cyclone and it’s now clear that it will alter the country’s trajectory on big issues like climate change adaptation and infrastructure investment.
How to make friends at work (and why you should) | The Project NZ
February 15th, 2023
New research from the US has found having a workplace bestie can make you more productive, successful – and generally just pretty happy on the job. But in the age of remote working and social distancing – how do you make one?
Caring for a partner with dementia takes a heavy toll. Try holding on to the moments of joy.
February 13th, 2023
A two-sided approach of acknowledging the negatives while searching for pockets of happiness may help.
The unbearable weight of being Prime Minister
January 20th, 2023
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is done piloting the ship, citing a lack of gas in the tank. But with the incredible demand of top leadership roles, what else can be expected?
What Are The Signs Of Burnout, And How Can You Combat Them?
January 20th, 2023
Jacinda Ardern’s recent resignation from her Prime Ministerial role has put a spotlight on burnout
The summer holidays are over – but did you get a break or Covid-19?
January 9th, 2023
Many people will be heading back to their workplaces today, returning for the first time after their summer holidays. For some, it was a break marked with a Covid-19 infection or bad weather. In the week leading up to Christmas Day, 32,000 people tested positive for Covid-19.
Out of office: Will we regret the work-from-home revolution? – NZ Herald (paywall)
December 7th, 2022
The covid pandemic has promoted a radical change to the way many people work. But not everyone is convinced it’s a change for the better.
Study Finds That Organisation’s Reputations Will Be Won Or Lost By Remote Working Policies
November 29th, 2022
A study of more than 1000 New Zealanders has implications for the reputations of organisations currently assessing how, where and when their employees should be working, and for attracting new employees.
Take the plunge: How to overcome the anxiety of leaving a comfortable old job for something better
November 17th, 2022
With a new year around the corner and an incredibly tight labour market, power is well in the hands of candidates. If you’ve thought of embarking on a new job journey, now could be your moment.
The Project NZ – It’s time to find a new job
November 16th, 2022
In the last couple of years we’ve all become self-proclaimed experts on how a virus can spread…but here’s one you may not know about – the stress virus. Yes, scientists have discovered that just like other viruses, stress can be catchy.
Seven Sharp – Stress contagion … yes it’s a thing!
November 4th, 2022
In the last couple of years we’ve all become self-proclaimed experts on how a virus can spread…but here’s one you may not know about – the stress virus. Yes, scientists have discovered that just like other viruses, stress can be catchy.
Learning new skills can be daunting. Here are four ways to embrace being a beginner.
By Gaynor Parkin and Amanda Wallis.
October 30th, 2022
Many of us find grappling with unfamiliar demands anxiety-provoking. Try these steps to ease yourself in.
Seven Sharp – The good news about being around blue…
October 14th, 2022
According to Trade Me Jobs, nearly 70 percent of Kiwis plan to find a new job soon. And with high demand for workers, record salaries, and a ripe market — why not? Take the plunge and join the job hunt today.
Beware of burnout | AM
October 10th, 2022
Feeling cranky, tired, and lost the pep in your step? It could be more than just a bad mood.
Anxious Traveller: How to get past your pre-trip anxiety
September 23rd, 2022
OPINION: When it comes to travel, anticipation of a trip is said to be half the fun. If the lead-up to a trip causes you more anxiety than excitement, you’re not alone.
Are you job-obsessed? New Zealand joins global look at work addiction
September 18th, 2022
More than 50 countries across six continents are participating in research aiming to work out how people feel about their work – and if they are doing too much of it.
Making decisions can be terrifying. Stop worrying about being wrong and try to have a curious mindset instead
September 6th, 2022
Thoughts such as ‘this is too important to mess up’ can be daunting. Try these three steps to make confident choices.
What should HR do about mental health at work – HRNZ Magazine
August 31st, 2022
Ceara Nicolls, Research Associate at Umbrella Wellbeing, summarises the research and provides answers on what HR can do to create effective, proactive and meaningful mental health strategies.
‘It’s like we’re living at work’: Is working from home all it’s cracked up to be?
August 28th, 2022
Working from home has been a pandemic silver lining for many, but previous workplace issues are being replaced by new problems. Kevin Norquay reports.
All these All Blacks losses are great. They may actually make you happier
August 6th, 2022
OPINION: If you forced me to pick one word to describe All Blacks supporters … I’m sorry, but it’d have to be ‘’joyless’’.
Why it’s more important than ever for workplaces to have staff well-being plans
August 4th, 2022
A recent survey of New Zealand workplaces has revealed that more than a third have no workplace well-being plan in place.
Dodging Covid: Good genes, good management or good luck?
July 30th, 2022
Jayden van Leeuwen managed to avoid catching Covid-19 while sharing a small Wellington apartment with his partner while she had the virus.
No clear link between low serotonin and depression – study
July 22nd, 2022
A major international study has found no clear evidence that low serotonin levels are responsible for depression.
Why it’s more important than ever for workplaces to have staff well-being plans
July 21st, 2022
A recent survey of New Zealand workplaces revealed more than a third have no workplace well-being plan in place. Yet it is necessary, now more than ever, for organisations to understand what a healthy work environment looks like and to provide it for their employees.
Winter wellness
July 21st, 2022
Staying physically and mentally well can be hard during winter – so put yourself first.
Sports stars harness the power of music – and you can too
July 20th, 2022
Chiefs star Naitoa Ah Kuoi sings a few bars of his favourite songs and discusses the role music plays in helping him prepare to perform at his best on the rugby field.
Why it’s more important than ever for workplaces to have staff well-being plans
July 20th, 2022
A recent survey of New Zealand workplaces revealed more than a third have no workplace well-being plan in place. Yet it is necessary, now more than ever, for organisations to understand what a healthy work environment looks like and to provide it for their employees.
Seven Sharp – Does time fly when you’re having fun?
July 18th, 2022
With Dougal Sutherland.
Do you think this weekend went by too quickly? It’s probably because you had an empty schedule.
The surprising psychological bonus of Matariki
July 1st, 2022
Wondering why the Matariki public holiday felt so refreshing? It turns out, from a psychological point of view, Fridays off are the ones we enjoy the most. Chris Hyde reports.
What happens when exhausted health workers can no longer provide the care they want for their patients?
June 28th, 2022
OPINION: Healthcare workers in New Zealand already face life-and-death decisions daily. But as multiple winter illnesses add pressure to a system already stretched by Covid, staff now also have to deal with daily abuse, acute staff shortages and unsafe working conditions.
Moral injury: what happens when exhausted health workers can no longer provide the care they want for their patients
June 28th, 2022
Healthcare workers in New Zealand already face life-and-death decisions daily. But as multiple winter illnesses add pressure to a system already stretched by COVID, staff now also have to deal with daily abuse, acute staff shortages and unsafe working conditions. At times, they cannot provide the care they would like for their patients.
Great Minds: Growing a stronger mind in the garden
June 22nd, 2022
“Seeing people grow their own food for the first time had a significance you had to see to explain,” said Carlos Rippon.
Seven Sharp – Living with Life’s Lemons
June 22nd, 2022
From pandemics to recessions: how do we deal with the many lemon’s life keeps throwing at us?
How finding balance helped a father support his troubled daughter
June 12th, 2022
Figuring out how to support a loved one – without getting so caught up that we end up struggling ourselves – can feel like walking a tightrope.
Seven Sharp – Fancy a nap at work? So do half of NZ’s millennials
May 25th, 2022
Do you ever get tired at work? Wish you could take a quick power nap? Well, you’re not alone.
The age of hybrid working is here – how can businesses find the right mix between office and home?
May 11th, 2022
After more than two years of disruptions, lockdowns and uncertainty, employers are facing a new reckoning in 2022: getting staff back into the office.
Dubbed by some the “great hybrid return to work”, employers across a range of industries are being forced to consider what the work environment will look like for staff.
Hybrid working: How do businesses find the right mix between office and home?
May 11th, 2022
ANALYSIS: After more than two years of disruptions, lockdowns and uncertainty, employers are facing a new reckoning in 2022: getting staff back into the office.
Dubbed by some the “great hybrid return to work”, employers across a range of industries are being forced to consider what the work environment will look like for staff.
Great Minds: Advice for Tauranga businesses heading back into the office
Apr 27th, 2022
NZME’s Great Minds project will examine the state of our nation’s mental health and explore the growing impact mental health and anxiety has on Kiwis while searching for ways to improve it. Video / NZ Herald
Covid 19 Omicron: Ashley Bloomfield’s resignation shows work burnout risk
Apr 16th, 2022
Bloomfield has rightly received widespread praise for his efforts in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. But do we really want our leaders working 24/7 to the point of exhaustion and ultimately resignation?
Moving to orange: Experts respond to change in traffic light settings
Apr 13th, 2022
Covid-19 restrictions for all of New Zealand will ease from midnight tonight but a leading epidemiologist says the country is divided in its risk.
The overwork pandemic: Ashley Bloomfield’s resignation highlights burnout on the COVID-19 front line
Apr 12th, 2022
In Japan it’s known as karōshi. In China, guolaosi. The South Koreans call it gwarosa. The literal English translation is “death from overwork”.
The psychological impacts of NZ’s COVID-19 traffic light uncertainty | NewsHub
Apr 4th, 2022
Kiwis contending with uncertainty surrounding COVID traffic light settings isn’t a normal way to live and everyone will be responding differently, a psychologist says.
Enabling psychological wellbeing amid business disruption
Mar 29th, 2022
Clinical psychologist and CEO Gaynor Parkin shares insights for positive action on mental health and wellbeing drawn from international and NZ research, and Umbrella’s work supporting business leaders and senior teams navigating new challenges in 2022.
Money can buy you (11 minutes of) happiness
Feb 7th, 2022
It’s broadly agreed that people spend money to lessen suffering and increase enjoyment. But the answer to the age-old question isn’t so simple – unless, of course, you’re Jeff Bezos.
The Panel with Nuwanthie Samarakone and David Slack (Part 1)
Feb 4th, 2022
The Panel Part 1: Panellists Nuwanthie Samarakone and David Slack discuss ‘psychosocial hazards’ in the workplace due to omicron, using Kiwisaver for home deposits and soda bread!
When grit isn’t great: letting go rather than pushing through can help our wellbeing
Jan 17th, 2022
By Gaynor Parkin.
People with high levels of perseverance often persist with difficult tasks to their own detriment. There is value in knowing when to quit
Is it possible to let that go? Is there someone else who can help you? Could you defer it for a week?
How to stay merry this Christmas and avoid festive burnout
Dec 12th, 2021
’Tis the season for stress and bother, but there are some simple ways to keep calm amid the pre-Christmas chaos.
Whether it’s work deadlines fast approaching, lengthy “to-do” lists weighing you down or cumulative fatigue coming to the fore, the build-up to the holidays can bring more malaise than merriment.
Navigating Socialising During COVID-19
Dec 3rd, 2021
Gaynor Parkin.
Psychologists have suggested that entering the new traffic light system may cause some uncertainty for people around Aotearoa as we determine our own comfort levels with mingling with others, travelling and using public spaces.
Preparing To Enter The Traffic Light System – Expert Reaction
Dec 1st, 2021
How can New Zealanders make good decisions to lower risk and keep safe when we enter the new Traffic Light framework on Friday?
The SMC asked experts to share the latest on how public health measures can help to keep the coronavirus at bay, and to give practical tips for navigating the new landscape.
Boost your team’s energy
Dec 1st, 2021
Are you noticing higher levels of fatigue in your people? Many managers are reporting more of their team members are “running out of puff”, taking longer to get tasks done, and dropping down on energy. Amanda Wallis and Gaynor Parkin examine what we can do about it.
Toxic workplace cultures are sacrificing employees’ health – and it doesn’t have to be this way
Nov 30th, 2021
Amanda Wallis and Gaynor Parkin.
By tackling presenteeism, we can make the most of our days at work, and treat our non-work time as a chance to do more of what we love.
Covid-19 NZ: Why the vaccines’ imperfections matter
Nov 21st, 2021
Keith Lynch.
The Covid-19 vaccines are incredibly effective but not perfect. Explainer Editor Keith Lynch explores how this lack of certainty can scramble the human brain.
In a recent interview American NFL player Aaron Rodgers spoke about why he had not been vaccinated.
Covid-19: Tips to buffer uncertainty by looking after our minds
Nov 10th, 2021
Gaynor Parkin.
OPINION: The new roadmap for opening up the country is in, and “Covid-free” life as we knew it is out.
We’re now navigating new unknowns with masks in hand and many of us are feeling at least a little bit unsure. Without clear markers for what’s next, or a timeline for when life will return to some form of normal, you’re not alone if the uncertainty is taking its toll.
Coping with pandemic stress as a small business owner
Oct 27th, 2021
Amanda Wallis and Gaynor Parkin.
OPINION: It’s been a roller coaster 18 months for small business owners in Aotearoa – jumping from lockdown to lockdown, from unknown to unknown, and navigating the minefield of ever-changing employee, stakeholder, and business needs.
Coping with ambiguity now Covid’s here to stay
October 12th, 2021
A new and confusing system is now in place thanks to the uncertainty of Delta, and many are feeling more stressed and anxious than ever. Dr Dougal Sutherland, Gaynor Parkin and Dr Amanda Wallis have some practical suggestions on small but helpful ways to help regain some control.
We’ve fallen in love with work from home – and some of us would rather quit than lose it
October 11th, 2021
Accustomed to working from home, more people than ever want a shorter commute or flexible hours – and bosses risk mass resignations if they don’t adjust, reports Reweti Kohere.
Take it from me: starting a new job at a new workplace amid a global pandemic is a bizarre experience. I still have not met my (kind and welcoming) colleagues in real life.
How to lead teams, with care, through a crisis
Oct 6th, 2021
Gaynor Parkin and Amanda Wallis.
OPINION: As a people leader or business owner, you may have found yourself more stretched than normal this past month with Covid-19 back in the community; navigating ups and downs in your business, dealing with emotional tumult in your own life, and supporting the challenges that your people are facing.
The Conversation: Three ways we can move from ‘languishing’ to ‘flourishing’ in a pandemic
September 28th, 2021
OPINION: By Dougal Sutherland, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington.
If you’re feeling uninspired, stagnant and joyless, you’re not alone. A sense of languishing is one of the dominant emotions of 2021 as we navigate life in an ongoing pandemic and process other terrible world events alongside.
How to flourish when you’re languishing in lockdown
September 16th, 2021
The pandemic is having a huge toll on all of us – you might find you’re stuck in a state of feeling ‘meh’, uninspired and stagnant, and largely joy-less and we can do about it. Psychologists call it languishing – and clinical psychologists Gaynor Parkin and Dougal Sutherland, join Bryan to find out how to get from languishing back to a much better mental state.
How do you prevent toxic leaders and a toxic culture in the workplace?
Sept 14th, 2021
Dave Winsborough and Gaynor Parkin.
OPINION: If you have 20 minutes spare and an urge to peer behind the curtain, read about the independent review of Mediaworks culture.
The review found there was a boys’ club culture of hard drinking, racist and sexist behaviour and intimidating sexual harassment. “Only hire hot,” was advice on hiring women.
Languishing, burnout and stigma – Delta’s possible psychological impacts
September 8th, 2021
By Dougal Sutherland of THE CONVERSATION.
Analysis – As New Zealand remains under different levels of restriction, the psychological toll of the Delta outbreak may start to show, even as lockdown eases for everyone outside Auckland.
How to survive winter workplace woes
Aug 8th, 2021
Let’s face it, we’ve hit the midwinter grind.
At work, it’s also the time when projects are ramping up, sickness is doing the rounds, and even mumbling good morning as you shuffle to your desk on a Monday can feel like a chore. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Presenteeism: There but not there, a big part of productivity problems
Aug 5th, 2021
OPINION: Productivity in Aotearoa New Zealand is considerably lower than in other OECD countries, despite us working longer hours on average, according to the New Zealand Productivity Commission.
There are an inestimable number of factors that contribute to low productivity, with improved technology and innovation often touted as the top solutions.
Increasing sick leave
July 23rd, 2021
Your annual sick leave entitlements are due to increase from five days to ten. But with more people working from home will the increase make a difference? Clinical Psychologist Gaynor Parkin joined us to discuss the impact.
Burnout in our workplaces
July 21st, 2021
According to international research, it’s almost a certainty that you or someone close to you is suffering from chronic workplace stress…
So for how to combat this wide spread burnout in our offices… President of the New Zealand Institute of Safety Managment, Robyn Bennett, joined us along with clinical psychologist Dougal Sutherland.
We need more psychologists or people will suffer
July 13th, 2021
Psychologists are struggling to cope with the number of people coming to them for help with their mental health.
Registered clinical psychologist and Umbrella founder Gaynor Parkin told Magic Talk’s Danny Watson & Leah Panapa it’s a scary situation to be unable to help people.
Employers: How to mend productivity problems by strengthening employee wellbeing
July 2nd, 2021
OPINION: As a leader of people, how often do you tune out the media noise around mental health and employee wellbeing? You’d be forgiven for thinking that there’s too much to do, too much of the time, for too many people. After all, you’re trying to run a business, not some sort of employee wellbeing spa, aren’t you?
We all know that healthy employees with robust wellbeing are more likely to be engaged and productive. The flip side is also true – when people experience poor mental health and wellbeing, their engagement and productivity suffers, with a direct hit on the bottom line for business.
Programme to bolster rural wellbeing
June 30th, 2021
A programme to support rural people respond positively to pressure, uncertainty and change launches next month.
Designed and delivered by the Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) and Umbrella Wellbeing, ‘Know Your Mindset. Grow Your Influence’ supports rural people – women and men – to engage with uncertainty with meaningful action that bolsters wellbeing.
How to make sure that you spend each day the way you want to spend your life
May 19th, 2021
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing.”
As we hear more about the prevalence of burnout at work, it can become difficult to reconcile the thought that work takes up so much of our lives even when we may prefer that it didn’t. Of great concern is that research finds grave health risks for those working long hours (more than 55 hours per week).
We need to prioritise the psychological wellbeing of our leaders
April 23rd, 2021
Throughout the complexity and uncertainty of the Covid-19 world, the decision-makers in our workplaces have been placed under enormous stress to adapt quickly, support their people, and continue to meet stakeholder and business demands. Leaders have stepped up to meet these challenges but, for many, their own wellbeing has dropped way down the priority list.
Global pandemic or not, leaders regularly cite high work demands, pressure to perform, and a blurring of the line between work and non-work time. It’s clear our leaders need support at times–but what’s most likely to work?
Adaptability in the Workplace
Nov 26th, 2019
As technology redefines how we work, the skills we need to thrive in the workplace are changing too. Clinical Psychologist Gaynor Parkin explains why your ability to adapt is one of the most important skills to have.
Working yourself sick? The danger of stress overload
September 23rd, 2019
Stress in the workplace is not only hobbling productivity, it’s seeping into our personal lives and making us sick. Donna Chisholm looks at the causes and hidden costs of chronic stress – and how to lighten the load.
Stress Videos
Aug 19th, 2019
For engineers, stress is part of life and it can help us to perform at our best or meet a deadline. But too much stress impacts mental health, triggering or exacerbating the development of more serious mental health episodes or reducing our resilience levels.
Stress busting: Occupational psychology, the job that thrives on workplace stress
Sept 18th, 2018
As workers face the anxieties of being replaced by robots and companies risk losing disillusioned, expensive talent, the one industry thriving on these fears is occupational psychology.
The industry studies people in the workplace and has roots in 20th century’s military strategy when leaders were being to lead armies and win wars.
More workplaces promoting wellbeing for employees
September 5th, 2018
Even the Government is getting on board, with next year’s budget considering wellbeing when it comes to allocating money.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson says looking at wellbeing is important to help deal with complex issues like inequality and climate change.
“We’re not going to be able to face up to those challenges if we’ve got a very narrow approach,” he says.
Are New Zealanders overworking?
May 30th, 2012
Information overload and increasing demands from employers mean many of us are struggling to cope with the relentless pressures of the job.
He has covered momentous political events and rarked up politicians on all sides of the House but one thing Duncan Garner hasn’t seen is his daughters, aged 9 and 11, play Saturday sport.
Learn to stay calm and carry on
Nov 1st, 2010
A new strategy that helps workers manage stress and keep their health intact is taking New Zealand by storm.
Clinical psychologist Gaynor Parkin introduced the power of resilience training to the New Zealand public when she and Consumer NZ released the book I’ve had it up to here: From stress to strength two years ago.
Gaynor Parkin, on how to deal with stress
January 26th, 2008
Kim Hill interviews Gaynor Parkin about stress in our busy lives and different ways to approach both handling, and talking about stress, mental health and resilience.
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