It is normal to feel anxious during Covid-19 lockdowns. For resources and contacts that are there for support, refer to Wellbeing during Covid-19.

The Mental Health Foundation has advice on looking after health and wellbeing during Covid-19 on its page Getting through together Whāia e tātou te pae tawhiti.

Reasonable accommodation

Managers should discuss with staff members any reasonable accommodations they might need. These could include:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Use of sick leave or leave without pay
  
• Reorganising work spaces or changing tasks
• Modifying work spaces or assistive technology.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

An independent, professional and confidential service free for staff experiencing personal or work related issues including anxiety, depression, conflict, stress, employment issues, grief and bereavement.

0800 327 669 (24/7) or check out the EAP website

Health, safety and wellbeing 

There are wellbeing resources on the University's Health, Safety and Wellbeing web page.

Sport and Recreation provides health and wellbeing face-to-face programmes and consultations, as well as virtual classes, Ask A Trainer webinars, Fit3D body scans and programmes specialising in women’s health. Check out their tips and resources or make a time to talk to wellbeing coordinator Emma Gillard. Go on your own or get a group together and increase your mental and physical health.

Fear of discrimination and wanting to maintain privacy in the workplace can lead staff members to not share mental health issues they may be experiencing.

If you recognise that someone's mood has changed, ask them how they are and let them know you are there if they want to talk.  If the person shares their feelings or problems with you, simply listen and be supportive.  You do not have to fix it.   If they don't want to talk, respect their choice.

Identifying mental illness can lead to increased personal support and both short and long-term workplace accommodations. 

The University of Auckland values staff privacy and is committed to the protection of personal information.

Mental Health Foundation has resources to support managers having conversations with their staff.

Mental Health Foundation Open Mind Resources may assist staff and managers have these conversations. They include:

• Quick tips for having a conversation at work about mental health.
• Making mental health part of the conversation: a guide for managers.
• A number of short videos on topics such as: how different people experience mental stress in the workplace, fears of talking about mental illness, and creating a positive culture.
• Posters, FAQs and other Open Minds resources.

The Māori philosophy towards health is based on a wellness or holistic health model. For many Māori the major deficiency in modern health services is taha wairua (spiritual dimension). The Ministry of Health has online information on three Māori health models.

Building resilience and managing stress

The Calm website offers resources including guided meditations and exercises in the key areas of:

• mental resilience
• managing stress, anxiety and depression
• healthy relationships
• finding meaning in life.

Some specific topics include practical strategies to help meet deadlines, dealing with anger and developing positive mindsets.

The University supports the Mental Health Foundation's '5 ways to wellbeing'. These are:

• Give - your time, your words, your presence.
• Be active - do what you can, enjoy what you do, move your mood.
• Keep learning - embrace new experiences, see opportunities, surprise yourself
• Take notice - appreciate the little things, savour the moment.
• Connect - talk and listen, be there, feel connected.

5 ways to wellbeing

If you have any questions, contact hsw@auckland.ac.nz.

HS&W wellbeing

Health and wellbeing at Sport and Recreation