Joyworkz Blog/Mental Wellbeing

Every workplace wellness intervention in your workplace has the potential to make a difference. To that end, we have created the Joyworkz Blog to help you keep abreast of the latest workplace wellness research, trends and tips.

Stress is on the rise in the work environment. It impacts on our health, happiness, productivity, motivation and satisfaction. For that reason, it is important to have a good understanding of the causes of stress and some great stress management skills and strategies. The articles below provide some useful, practical information about how to manage stress and boost mental health.

Too noisy and crowded? The Pros and Cons of Open-Plan Office Design

on Sunday, 23 June 2019. Posted in Office Ergonomics, Occupational Health, Mental Wellbeing

Open plan (OP) offices are generally considered to be cost-effective, promote teamwork and collaboration and enhance a sense of wellbeing and inclusion. Recent research evidence challenges some of these assumptions though. In this article we examine available evidence on the advantages and disadvantages of open plan office design and suggest a practical way forward.

Try these great ways to gain a fresh perspective over the holidays!

on Thursday, 29 November 2018. Posted in Mental Wellbeing

Space high res

With the Christmas season approaching, chances are that many of you will be taking annual leave. It is important to embrace the wonderful opportunities that come from holidays, particularly if you can travel and gain a fresh perspective on life.

Tap into the stress-relieving benefits of nature this Spring!

on Monday, 13 August 2018. Posted in Occupational Health, Mental Wellbeing

Nature at work

Are you suffering from “nature-deficit disorder”? During winter we tend to stay indoors, sometimes leaving home for work in the dark, to return home to our houses, in the dark. On the weekends, we minimise our time outdoors. Yet, experts argue that a lack of time in nature can have a range of impacts on our health. Therefore, as winter passes and a sense of Spring fills the air, why not tap into the healing, stress relieving benefits of nature?

Poi at work: Spin your way to a healthy future!

on Wednesday, 18 April 2018. Posted in Teambuilding, Mental Wellbeing

Most kiwis know that poi is a Māori tradition. You may have seen dazzling displays in kapa haka, or even done poi yourself in primary school. But did you know there are many different styles of poi practiced all over the world? And, that twirling poi can improve your health?

Slim down your stress, manage your weight

on Monday, 05 February 2018. Posted in Mental Wellbeing

You got away from work late. You couldn’t find your car keys. Once you found them, it was raining and the traffic was super heavy. You get home late and realise that you forgot to pick up groceries for dinner. Your tummy starts to gnaw, and you feel like grabbing for chips and chocolate.

Too busy and stressed to have fun at work? 7 ways to break the busyness habit and flourish?

on Monday, 10 October 2016. Posted in Mental Wellbeing

Did you know that busyness is a recent phenomenon? Studies have shown that the more affluent a society gets, the ‘busier’ people feel. In the Western world, busyness has become a habit. However, busyness is one habit that could be well worth kicking!

Pets at work! Taking the pooch to work leads to satisfaction and less stress!

on Tuesday, 09 July 2013. Posted in Mental Wellbeing

Those people who are dog lovers may welcome the idea of taking their dog to work. Moreover, a recent study has shown that taking a dog to work leads to greater job satisfaction, better workplace communication and less stress.

How do you cope when life throws a curved ball? Try these new ideas for proactive stress management

on Monday, 29 April 2013. Posted in Mental Wellbeing

The latest ‘coping research’ identifies new proactive stress management strategies for coping with unforeseen events. While we can feel we are in control of our lives, life can inevitably throw a curved ball our way.

Workplace bullying: No fun for anyone!

on Thursday, 25 April 2013. Posted in Mental Wellbeing

Bullying a problem in many workplaces and appears to cross all industries and occupations. For instance, in a recent study, 18% of the 1728 New Zealand workers studied reported having been victims of bullying a work. So, how can you tell if you are being bullied? Or worse still, how can you tell if you are being a bully?

Can Sleeping on the Job Really Be This Good For You?

on Friday, 14 September 2012. Posted in Mental Wellbeing

Obviously getting a great night’s sleep is essential to a good day’s work. However, research shows that sleeping on the job can also be good for business. Ever experienced that early afternoon slump at work, just after lunch? Well apparently that’s quite natural and in fact, could be the ideal time for a Power Nap!!

''Good Breathing” corrects posture and boosts energy at work

on Thursday, 30 August 2012. Posted in Office Ergonomics, Mental Wellbeing

Breathing…it’s an action we do about 100,000 times each week of our lives. And for most of the time we are not even consciously aware that we are breathing, let alone whether we are breathing well. In this article we take a look at the mechanics of breathing, and how essential “Good Breathing” is to healthy posture and positive energy levels.