Mental health is gaining visibility in New Zealand workplaces, but new research from Peninsula Group reveals a gap between rising employee needs and the support currently offered.
In a global survey of over 79,000 small to medium-sized businesses, 30% of New Zealand employers reported an increase in mental health-related sick leave, while 52% observed more staff facing mental health challenges. Despite this, 73% of employers said they do not offer dedicated mental health days—and have no plans to introduce them within the next year.
Kayleigh Frost, Associate Director of Operations at Wisdom Wellbeing ANZ, Peninsula New Zealand’s EAP services provider, says the data reflects a shift in employee openness, but also highlights the need for stronger support systems. “We’re seeing more honesty around mental health, which is encouraging,” she said. “But there’s still a long way to go. Even small steps, like basic manager training, can make a big difference.”
Currently, only 25% of New Zealand employers offer an Employee Assistance Program, and just 28% have introduced new wellbeing measures in the past year. A concerning 77% of employers are not confident their staff would feel safe disclosing mental health issues—suggesting stigma remains a barrier.
Compared to countries like Canada, where mental health initiatives are more widely adopted, New Zealand businesses have room to grow. Frost emphasizes that effective support doesn’t need to be complex or expensive. “Support needs to be accessible and meaningful, not a tick-the-box exercise,” she said.
With poor mental health costing New Zealand employers an estimated $1.3 billion annually, the case for action is clear. As awareness continues to rise, the challenge now is turning that awareness into tangible, consistent support for employees.
Click here to read the full press release. Click here to read the full whitepaper and see how mental health support in New Zealand workplace compares to other countries.