Five ways to boost mental well-being at work
accelerateonline • June 19, 2020
If you’re a business owner or manager, there’s a lot you can do to support your staff to maintain positive mental health and in turn, keep your business profitable. Studies say ‘happy employees are more likely to be productive employees’ (Kaplanet al., 2009) and ‘employees who believe their employers care about their wellbeing have been shown to be more engaged at work than others.” (Rhodes, L. et al., 2002).
- Pick up the perks: Offer regular health benefits to staff such as monthly massages, gym memberships or counselling sessions. Remember, you’ll need to pay fringe benefit tax on any non-cash benefits to staff unless it meets one of the exemptions such as being provided on site or falling under the $300 per employee/per quarter exemption. If you’d like more information on FBT, give us a call.
- Staff still working from home? Make sure to check in on their personal situation, not just their KPIs – isolation is still a real issue for many.
- Spread the word about 1737. Let your team know about the free, professional counselling that’s available 24/7 by calling or texting 1737.
- Lead by example. If you’re the boss, remaining calm and demonstrating understanding, empathy and compassion to your staff will work wonders.
- Write a policy. Looking after your staff, no matter what they’re going through, is really important. Put together a mental health and wellbeing policy that outlines how you will support employees who experience mental health challenges, and outline that they will always be treated fairly. For tips on how to put a policy together, read the Working Well Guide at www.mentalhealth.org.nz.
Accelerate - December 2023
Accelerate August 2023
Inland Revenue have recently announced this year’s livestock Herd Scheme Values and we think this is a great opportunity to update you on the latest movements. The Herd Scheme Values are the National Average Market Values, determined by a process involving a review of the livestock market as at 30 April.
The values for Dairy this year have seen a fall in values across all female classes, but increases across all male classes. The fall in R1 heifer values can be attributed to the prohibition of live export by sea commencing from 30 April 2023. For the first time the National Average Market Value for R1 Heifers is less than the National Standard Cost of breeding and rearing an R1 Heifer.
In contrast to Dairy values Beef values have increased on average 9% and are almost at record values for all classes.
Sheep values have all fallen from the high of 2022, slipping back an average of 10.2%. Whilst values have fallen, they are still either the second or third highest that they have ever been depending on which class of sheep you are looking at.
Goat values have increased on average 7.8% with almost all classes of fibre and meat producing goats at record highs. The value of milking goats continues to be well down from historic highs, except for breeding bucks which are at their highest value.
Like the rest of the world, New Zealand has reeled from the aftermath of Covid, rising inflation and interest rates, and the cost-of-living crisis. This year we also have a massive storm damage repair bill.
Any tax cuts, or changes to the tax thresholds were vetoed in Budget 2023 as this was viewed as worsening inflation.
Budget 2023 builds on the $889m already provided in response to this year’s storms. A further $6b is allocated for a National Resilience Plan , for rebuilding after weather events. $71b is committed to new and existing infrastructure projects: not only storm damaged communications, power and roading, but schools, hospitals, public housing, rail and road.
