Burnout and Wellbeing: Looking After Your Team at the End of the Year
The run-up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for many Kiwi businesses. Whether you’re wrapping up projects, closing the books, or managing stock and customers before a summer break, it can be a time of high pressure and high pace. Add in social functions, school holidays, and year-end fatigue, and it’s easy for stress and burnout to creep in.
As an employer, you play a key role in supporting your team’s wellbeing. Investing in mental health isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also good for business.
Why Wellbeing at Work Matters
A stressed team is an unproductive one. Burnout affects focus, morale, and motivation. It increases absenteeism and can lead to long-term health issues. Workplaces that prioritise mental health and wellbeing see stronger engagement, better team culture, and improved performance.
An Australian study found businesses that take meaningful action to create mentally healthy workplaces can expect a return of $2.30 for every dollar spent. That’s a compelling reason to take wellbeing seriously.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand promotes five simple, proven actions that help people find balance, build resilience, and boost their mental health.
Here’s how you can encourage your team to integrate them into the workday:
- Connect: Relationships matter. Encourage regular check-ins, shared morning teas, or a quick chat that isn’t work-related.
- Be Active: Support staff to get moving. Walking meetings, lunchtime walks, or group fitness challenges can help.
- Take Notice: Slow down. Create moments of mindfulness whether it's a few minutes of quiet, gratitude sharing, or stepping outside for fresh air.
- Keep Learning: Encourage curiosity. Let team members explore new tools, cross-train, or take on a fresh responsibility.
- Give: Foster kindness. Celebrate team wins, encourage thank-yous, or support a local charity drive.
These actions may seem small, but it’s often the simple things that make the biggest difference.
Is Wellbeing Part of Your Health & Safety Plan?
Workplaces have a legal responsibility to manage risks to mental health just like any physical health and safety risk. That includes ensuring workloads are manageable and that people feel supported.
Have you included wellbeing in your health and safety policy? Now is a great time to review it and look for practical ways to support your team. Looking after your team’s wellbeing is an investment in your business’ future - a healthy, resilient workforce is key to long-term success.
How can BFA help?
If you need support navigating team management, leave planning, or developing policies that reflect your business’ values, get in touch. At BFA, we’re here to help local businesses not just survive, but thrive.
Get in touch with your Client Advisor or contact us here
