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This video series is designed to help leaders and managers feel more confident and prepared when supporting team members who may be struggling with their wellbeing. Each video walks through a key stage of the process—from recognising early signs and preparing for a conversation, through to managing sensitive situations like privacy concerns or suicide risk.

For many people with ADHD, late diagnosis is the norm rather than the exception[1]. While some are identified in childhood, many, especially women, are left undetected until adulthood, often after years of struggling to meet life’s increasing demands. The reason for this delay appears to lie in gendered expectations.

AI is no longer a concept on the horizon: It’s already here, transforming how Kiwis work and manage their wellbeing. AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google NotebookLM are increasingly used to reduce repetitive work, streamline communication, and automate tasks like note-taking or summarising information.

We understand very well how dyslexia can create daily frustrations both at work and in life. However, with the right awareness and strategies, we can navigate these challenges effectively and learn how to tap into our unique strengths.

Feeling overwhelmed by work, social demands, or too much sensory input can make you feel like you might shut down or lose control. This experience is common among neurodivergent people, especially in high-pressure situations, but can also be a challenge for those struggling with their mental health.

Most of us occasionally feel overwhelmed by loud noises, strong smells, or itchy fabrics, especially when we’re tired, stressed, or uncomfortable. In these moments, our senses can become flooded with too much information, making it difficult to fully process what we’re experiencing.

The story of our relationship with bacteria begins the moment we’re born. A baby in the womb is sterile, free of microbes. But during a vaginal birth, the baby is “gifted” lactobacillus bacteria from its mother, a crucial first step in forming a healthy microbiome.

Anger in the workplace can look like a quiet simmer, with an employee retreating behind curt replies and crossed arms, or an outright explosion of raised voices and slamming doors. You’ve probably witnessed this—or maybe even felt it yourself.

In an age of unprecedented connectivity, the “loneliness epidemic” stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Despite the advances in technology and communication, which have brought the world closer in some ways, loneliness has become a global phenomenon. It profoundly influences mental health, physical well-being, and social cohesion.

Having occasional anxiety is a common and normal part of life. The reality is life is tricky and it throws unexpected and difficult curve balls at us. We all worry about things at different times, such as a new situation, relationships, family members, big decisions, money or health.

The holiday season is a complex mix of emotions—a time of celebration that can simultaneously bring profound joy and significant psychological challenges. This guide explores the complex landscape of holiday stress, offering evidence-based strategies to foster mental resilience and genuine connection.

Mental health is shaped by a wide range of factors, which can make it challenging to know where to begin when someone we care about is struggling. Te Whare Tapa Whā, which translates to the four-sided house, was developed by Sir Mason Durie (1984) as a model for understanding Māori health.

Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a pivotal role in leadership, shaping how individuals manage their own emotions and respond to the emotions of others in the workplace. Defined by Daniel Goleman as “the capacity for recognising our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships” (1998), the term was originally created by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990.

Those of us on the autism spectrum have differences compared to non-autistic people in how we communicate with and interact with others, and how we go about our routines and interests. In a world that doesn’t always “get” autism, this may feel overwhelming or cause challenges in our day-to-day lives.

Are you struggling with concentration and energy at work? The key might lie in how often you’re eating. In today’s fast-paced world, we juggle numerous demands, from work commitments to personal responsibilities.

Those in the high job insecurity group are nearly 15 times more likely to be in the burnout risk group, highlighting the impact of job insecurity on wellbeing. This research reflects the changing economic environment in New Zealand, and the pressure the workforce is under due to fear of job losses.

Have you always struggled to write down your thoughts, even when you know exactly what you want to say? Your words may not match what’s in your mind. You may find taking notes, writing emails, or filling out forms difficult, making it almost impossible to meet professional demands that require written communication.

A Leader’s Guide to Reasonable Accommodations and Performance Management After Employee Wellbeing Disclosures. Millions of people today experience times of mental unwellness. According to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, 25% of us Kiwis experience challenges with our mental health and emotional wellbeing.

In recent years, the pursuit of health has gained significant fervour, becoming a cultural phenomenon. With new wellness boutiques popping up on every corner and social media feeds filled with curated routines—showcasing everything from cryotherapy to alkaline diets—this landscape can make wellness feel less like a personal journey and more like a public performance.

Some people possess a unique sensitivity that sets them apart from others. They experience the world with a depth of feeling that can be overwhelming at times. While your colleague might easily brush off a manager’s criticism, the same remark could profoundly affect you.

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology is deeply integrated into our daily lives, the line between work and personal life is becoming increasingly blurred – a phenomenon known as techno-invasion (Mondo et al., 2023). This concept highlights how the constant connectivity facilitated by digital platforms can intrude into personal time, leading to a seamless blend of work and leisure that can impact our wellbeing.

Burnout doesn’t just happen overnight—it sneaks up on the “dedicated and committed,” those who pour everything into their work, only to find themselves drained, detached, and doubting their own abilities.

Every day we are reminded that we are living in challenging economic times. With the cost of living increasing, you may feel worried about your finances and are struggling to make ends meet. Feeling all sorts of emotions in difficult times in normal. Many New Zealanders are struggling with money and experiencing financial stress at any given time.

Our mental health and wellbeing affect not only our mood but every aspect of our lives. It’s good news that mental health awareness has never been higher. Encouraging people to talk openly about their challenges helps to break down the stigma long associated with mental health difficulties.

It seems like anxiety has been everywhere lately, becoming a trending topic. While rising mental health awareness is undoubtedly beneficial, it is also crucial to distinguish between natural nerves and mental health conditions, like anxiety disorders, that can require professional support.

For those who have never been before, therapy may feel shrouded in mystery. Hollywood portrayals and the confidential nature of therapy have contributed to many misconceptions about what goes on in the therapists office. This unfortunately may deter people from getting support. I want to demystify the therapy experience and remove this barrier. Let’s look at some of the common therapy myths.

At some point in life, you may have asked yourself “Should I go to therapy?” However, it is not uncommon to hesitate in taking the next step of contacting a therapist. If therapy has not been normalised in your circle of family and friends, you may be unsure of when and where to seek help. So how do you know when you should reach out and to whom?

It is well-established from psychological research that people do not make sudden decisions to change their behaviour and start acting differently. Change is a gradual and imperfect process. The behaviour change is just one part in the chain.

Conflict is a part of work life that elicits discomfort in many people. Understandably there may be an urge to avoid or prevent conflict, however the research suggests it’s more important to address it

Human beings need to communicate. It is the mechanism through which we build and maintain the relationships, groups, and communities essential to our survival. This includes our businesses. Some studies report that up to 80% of a worker’s day is spent communicating

According to the occupational health and safety definition, the term ‘psychosocial hazards’ refers to “the aspects of design and management of work and its social, organisational context that may have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm.”

While each person’s experiences with ADHD vary, difficulties often come from a lifetime of others not understanding us, being told we’re “Too much,” and challenges to focus, regulate our emotions, or maintain positive relationships.

Have you noticed a change in someone’s mood or behaviour at work? It could be their drop in performance or a reduced capacity to manage day-to-day stress at work. They may not be their usual selves, seem more stressed than normal, snap at colleagues, or have become more withdrawn from team interactions.

When we experience addiction, we are unable to stop pursuing the immediate feel-good sensation that certain substances or activities provide, even when we know it’s hurting our health, relationships, and professional performance. Often, this is driven by a need to escape emotional or physical discomfort. Over time, addictive behaviour can turn into a vicious cycle.

What if we knew the words ‘Fitness’ and ‘Exercise’ were stopping us from moving each day? Fitness, Exercise, Training… What other words inspire you to say NO, stay planted on the couch… work late (now it’s too close to dinner to do anything)… wake up tired and hit snooze for the 3rd time…

Through this rollercoaster ride, I’ve experienced highs and lows, tasted success, and learned from failures. These experiences have imparted invaluable lessons and insights that I believe are common for solo business owners/operators.

If you are neurodivergent, it means that your brain is wired to think, learn, solve problems, and interact with others in a way that is different from neurotypical people. New Zealand employers who embrace neurodiversity value and leverage unique skills and perspectives neurodivergent kaimahi (employees) bring to the table.

Re-writing the fitness industry is something we’ve been doing at 09 Thrive for the past 11 years. Why?! You’re not the only one who has tried over and over again to set and carry out your fitness goals. Here’s to re-writing blame and shame into understanding and commitment.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time of celebration and connection, but it can also bring stress and overwhelm. For business owners in Aotearoa, balancing work and festivities can be a challenging juggle

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