For the last few years BNH members have told us that the health and wellbeing of their staff is of paramount importance. Around this time last year I reminded business owners and employers that their own health and wellbeing is just as important as, unless they are able to operate efficiently and effectively, any risks to the business and all the people reliant upon it are increased.
Unfortunately, the unexpected and unprecedented challenges of the current pandemic have without question put many businesses under unforeseen pressure, as the uncertain, rollercoaster nature of our current situation increases anxiety and stress for everyone concerned.
The Government has recently released the latest figures relating to suicide in New Zealand. The data covers some of the period when New Zealand was arguably most affected by COVID–19 (March – June 2020) and the chief coroner has already confirmed that suicides decreased during the lockdown period to quell rampant speculation to the contrary. Despite dispelling this myth, the figures sadly indicate that 654 New Zealanders were lost to suicide in the year to the end of June 2020. This is 31 less than in the previous year, which is indeed a positive, but it goes without saying that there is so much more that needs to be done to significantly reduce this tragically high figure.
This has been a tough time for all New Zealanders and based upon the information above, it is more important than ever that we are taking meaningful action to support each other through the latest challenges that we are facing. The feeling of belonging and of being valued are key to lifting wellbeing, so I would encourage you all not to isolate yourself and to make being kind to each other and yourselves part of your new normal moving forwards, both in and outside your working environment. Making a positive difference to someone will also make a positive difference to you.
Kevin O’Leary
General Manager, Business North Harbour
