Skip to main content
  • Corporate
    • Corporate
    • Adviser
    • Get Advice
    • Apply Online
    • Make a Claim
    • About AIA
    • Contact Us
    • MyAIA
  • Search
  • Home
  • Life & Disability
    • Life Insurance
    • Trauma Insurance
    • Total Permanent Disablement Insurance
    • Income Protection Insurance
    • Business & Rural Insurance
  • Health Insurance
    • Private Health
    • Cancer Care
  • Home Loans
    • New GO Home Loan Customers
    • Your GO Home Loan
    • Working with a registered adviser
    • Mortgage Protection
    • GO Home Loan Interest Rates
  • Help & Support
    • Contact AIA
    • Claims
    • FAQs and Forms
    • My AIA
    • Get advice
    • Earning Airpoints Dollars™
    • Investment Products
    • Past Insurance Products
    • All our locations
    • Vulnerable Customers Support
    • COVID-19 Support
    • Complaints - AIA
  • AIA Vitality
    • What is AIA Vitality
    • Our Partners & Rewards
    • Apple Watch Benefit
    • Content Hub
    • Already a member? Login
  • Content Hub
    • Move Well
    • Think Well
    • Eat Well
    • Plan Well
  • COVID-19 SUPPORT
  • EARNING AIRPOINTS DOLLARS™
  • ABOUT AIA
Menu
  • Corporate
  • Adviser
  • Get Advice
  • Apply Online
  • Make a Claim
  • About AIA
  • Contact Us
  • MyAIA
AIA New Zealand AIA New Zealand
  • Life & Disability
    AIA Living

    Life & Disability

    The most important things in your life are your family, your lifestyle and your future. This is what life, trauma and disability insurance are there to protect.

    For Individuals

    For Business

    • Life Insurance

      Protects your loved ones’ future if you're diagnosed with a terminal illness or die.

    • Trauma Insurance

      Supports you and your family while you or your child navigate a serious illness or injury.

    • Total Permanent Disablement Insurance

      Secures your future if a serious illness or injury leaves you permanently disabled.

    • Income Protection Insurance

      Safeguards your ability to earn if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.

    • Business & Rural Insurance

      Protection for new and existing business owners if a key person becomes seriously ill, is injured, or dies.

  • Health Insurance
    AIA Health

    Health Insurance

    Having good health is invaluable. Remove the worry around unexpected medical bills, focus on the right treatment when and where you need it, and start your recovery sooner.

    • Private Health

      Takes care of your medical expenses for a range of health conditions and provides faster medical care that suits your needs.

    • Cancer Care

      Specialised insurance that covers costs associated with the diagnosis, treatment and recovery of cancer.

  • Home Loans

    Home Loans

    GO Home Loan - make your house a home.

    • New GO Home Loan Customers

      Find out more about the home loan that works harder for you.

    • Your GO Home Loan

      Learn more about managing your mortgage and how to pay off your GO home loan faster.

    • Working with a registered adviser

      GO Home Loans are available exclusively through our independent network of Advisers.

    • Mortgage Protection

      It’s a good idea to have mortgage protection to protect yourself against all eventualities.

    • GO Home Loan Interest Rates

      A GO Home Loan offers a wide range of competitive mortgage interest rates.

  • Help & Support

    Help & Support

    We strive to assist you for all your inquiries with high touch customer service.

    Contact AIA
    • Contact AIA

      We strive to assist you for all your inquiries with high touch customer service.

    • Claims

      Get help with making a claim.

    • FAQs and Forms

      Updating policies, moving house, changing names... our FAQs section has all the answers and forms.

    • My AIA

      Previously called MySovereign - our customer portal

    • Get advice

      If you're interested in talking to an insurance expert, we can put you in touch with an adviser in your area.

    • Earning Airpoints Dollars™

      You can earn Airpoints Dollars™ with AIA New Zealand. Find out more.

    • Investment Products

      The latest Sovereign investment performance information, as well as a list of closed and terminated investment products.

    • Past Insurance Products

      Policy and enhancement information for policy holders of closed AIA and Sovereign policies.

    • All our locations

      Details of all our office locations across New Zealand

    • Vulnerable Customers Support

      A list of some of the services available in New Zealand that offer support, information and help.

    • COVID-19 Support

      Supporting our customers through Covid-19

    • Complaints - AIA

      If you have a complaint, we’ll do our best to resolve the situation.

  • AIA Vitality

    AIA Vitality

    AIA Vitality encourages and supports you to live a healthier life, while giving you access to great rewards along the way.

    • What is AIA Vitality

      AIA Vitality’s approach can take you on a journey to better health

    • Our Partners & Rewards

      Learn more about the amazing partners and rewards you'll have access to with AIA Vitality

    • Apple Watch Benefit

      Earn an Apple Watch Series 6 by reaching your weekly physical activity targets

    • Content Hub

      Your go to for science-backed, health and wellbeing inspiration and advice.

    • Already a member? Login

      Check your AIA Vitality points status and get access to the tools you need to help improve your health

  • Content Hub

    Content Hub

    Our Content Hub is brought to you by AIA Vitality, the science-backed program that helps you learn more about your health, offers ways to improve it and motivates you with rewards along the way.

    • Move Well

      Finding your further when it comes to exercise and fitness.

    • Think Well

      Tools and information to help cultivate a healthy frame of mind.

    • Eat Well

      Caring for your body with food that makes you feel good.

    • Plan Well

      Improving financial literacy, because a good tomorrow starts today.

  • Search
  • Contact Us
    • Chat with us

      Available Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm

    • Call Us

      0800 500 108 on Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm

    • Send us a message

      via our online contact form

    • Talk to an adviser

      Get free expert insurance advice

    • Apply Online

      via our trusted partner, KiwiCover

    • Log in to MyAIA

      (Previously called MySovereign)

Think Well
Prev | Next
Contact Us
Talk to an Adviser
Back to Top
  • {{title}}

    {{label}}
  • Wellbeing at work

    AIA Vitality NZ - 9 min read

    21 October 2019

    While throwing the towel in is a common fantasy, it might not be as good as it sounds. Sara Bunny looks at how working benefits our health - as long as we know how to navigate the challenges 

    Wellbeing at work

    We all have those dreams of ditching the daily grind and running off to a tropical island while a magical bank account generates us millions. But the experts have other news - the evidence shows that most of us are better off mentally and physically when we're employed and that striking the right balance of work, rest and play in a supportive workplace is the best bet.
    But that can be easier said than done. Anyone who has endured a nightmare job will know the dread that creeps in on Sunday afternoon as you prepare for another week, the walking on eggshells around a difficult boss, or the exhausting expectation to regularly stay late. Regardless of whether your stress is due to an insurmountable workload, an uneasy office vibe or a manager that specialises in put-downs, it's a situation that can eat away at your confidence and self-esteem, and become demoralising.
    We all know about the huge mental and physical toll caused by ongoing stress. In the broader scheme of things, toxic environments can also lead to low productivity, unsafe conditions and costly staff turnover. It doesn't take a scientist to tell you that happier workplaces are better for bosses, workers and business in general, so how do you look after your own workplace wellbeing?

    Toxic environments can also lead to low productivity
    Good, bad and the ugly

    As much as the 'every day spent on the sun lounger' scenario sounds tempting, academics and medical experts are unanimous: work is mostly good for us. Having a job helps us to feel socially included, it can reinforce our sense of self, and it gives us a sense of purpose. In a report from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, researchers found going to work generally reduces psychological distress, while long-term periods of unemployment almost always have a negative effect on our wellbeing.
    The report found unemployment was associated with everything from higher rates of cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections to increased rates of hospital admissions, and the negative impact it can have on our mental health is well-documented. But that's not to say that work is a magic bullet for helping to keep us healthy and happy.
    A 2017 study by the University of Manchester reviewed data from 1200 employees across different industries and countries, and found those dealing with a toxic manager were not only more likely to show signs of depression, but could also be more likely to engage in bullying themselves, with instances of negative workplace behaviours higher overall when a bad boss was in charge.
    An earlier study from Binghamton University in New York identified two types of managers that can cause the most trouble at work, those who fit the criteria for 'dark' and those who fall under the category of 'dysfunctional'. Dark bosses were those who displayed narcissistic or psychopathic traits, while the dysfunctional types were simply bad at their job, where micromanaging was a key aspect of their leadership style.
    Extensive research is being carried out by Australia's Black Dog Institute into the role that work may have in precipitating or preventing mental illness. According to the institute, mental illness is now the leading cause of sickness absence and long-term work incapacity in the developed world.

    FACT

    A 2016 survey by recruitment firm Hays found almost a third (29%) of New Zealand companies increased their overtime and extra hours in the 12 months prior.

    Could less be more?

    Throughout the world, research is also underway around the benefits of having a shorter work week or cutting back the number of hours spent in the workplace each day. It's easy to see why both ideas have been popular, but there's also mounting evidence that less can be more.
    A Swedish study looked at the effects of allowing nurses to work six hours a day on an eight-hour salary. The results after one year showed the nurses took roughly half the amount of sick leave, compared to what they were taking when working the standard eight-hour shifts. The study - known as the Svartedalens Experiment - also revealed that six-hour days made the staff 20 per cent happier, and 64 per cent more productive.
    A study closer to home looked at the benefits of a shorter week. As part of a two-month trial earlier this year, workers in Kiwi insurance firm, Perpetual Guardian, worked for four days and were paid for five. Results from the 240 staff who took part showed 78 per cent felt like they could juggle work and life commitments more effectively with an extra day of leave (up from 54 per cent), overall life satisfaction increased, and stress levels decreased by seven per cent. Factors like commitment to work and feelings of empowerment at work also increased during the trial. The firm has since made the four-day week a permanent company policy.

    Real life case studies

    "I had a boss who was the worst micromanager and it was such a knock to my confidence as I was constantly second-guessing myself with the most basic tasks. I started to not sleep well, rapidly put on weight, and was catching every cold that was going around. I hung on for about two years in the role but I wish I had left sooner. I also wish I had spoken up for myself, as I now think that staying quiet and 'keeping out of the firing line' only reinforced to my boss that her behaviour was okay"
    » Samantha

    "For me, leaving my desk at lunchtime is a vital component of my work day. I try to go for a walk each day and I always come back feeling refreshed, energised and more productive. It helps a lot with stress management, and on the days where I don't get out of the office at lunch, I really notice how exhausted I feel in the afternoons."
    » Laura

    "I used to work in an office where working overtime was the expected norm, to the point where 5pm would come and go and nobody wanted to be the first to Leave. It's easy to get caught up in herd behaviour, but I think there comes a time where you have to prioritise your health and wellbeing. You have to work in a way that is sustainable long term."
    » Michael

    Taking a holiday can help to reduce work-related stress, prevent anxiety and depression
    Mental wellbeing at work

    Workplace issues can take their toll. If you start to feel like work is taking over your life or a work issue is getting you down, it's best to address it early rather than letting things get worse. Try these steps for getting the balance back:

    » Limit extra working hours: Work commitments can get crazy sometimes, but when long hours become the norm rather than the exception, it can negatively impact our health. If this sounds Like you, have a chat with your manager first.

    » Schedule meetings during work hours: Arranging meetings to begin and end only within core working hours will help to ensure your precious 'out-of-hours' time is protected.

    » Take regular breaks: A solid bit of graft is rewarding, but being busy all the time will ultimately lead to burnout. There's more research than you can shake a stick at that says taking breaks, both physical and mental, can boost our productivity.

    » Try not to take work home: Adding an extra hour or two at home to tidy up a work project can quickly become a habit, but again, think of it as the exception and not the rule. Downtime is vital for a healthy work-life balance.

    » Take your holiday leave: A complete break from work has big mental and physical health benefits. Taking a holiday can help to reduce work-related stress, prevent anxiety and depression, and increase work performance and productivity.

    » It's okay to say 'no': It can be difficult to say, but 'no' isn't a dirty word as far as your workload is concerned. Be genuine and state your reasons clearly In the long run, the outcome will be more positive, and you'll be in a better position to say yes the next time.

    » Have a tech 'switch off' time: Resist the pressure to look at work emails outside of work hours. This can be a creeping habit in lots of workplaces - lead by example and don't let the late-night email scroll become part of your work culture.

    » Make use of EAP: Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help employees with personal and work-related issues that may impact their job performance, health, mental and emotional wellbeing.

    » Explore flexible working arrangements where possible: Making work fit better into your day-to-day life can help to improve your general wellbeing. Work closely and negotiate with your employer - you will need to be able to do your job in an effective manner that works for both of you.

    For more information and resources on managing your mental health, see lifeline.org.nz (or call 0800 543354) or wellplace.nz.

    This article was created in collaboration with Good Health & Wellbeing


    By AIA Vitality NZ
    AIA Vitality Staff writer

    AIA Vitality is a personalised, health and wellbeing program that supports you every day to make healthier lifestyle choices. Visit aiavitality.co.nz

    FOLLOW


    Disclaimer:
    The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.


    You might like these

    06 November 2020

    How to turn your commute into a sneaky workout

    AIA Vitality NZ - 2 min read


    The commute to work can be a drag, so why not turn it into an opportunity to fit in a sneaky workout?

    19 November 2019

    What happens to our bodies when we don’t drink enough water?

    AIA Vitality NZ - 3 min read


    We find out how dehydration affects your body.

    02 December 2020

    How to do a pre-summer skin check

    AIA Vitality NZ - 3 min read


    You’re gearing up for another sticky New Zealand summer, so it’s the perfect time for a skin check.
    Contact Us

    0800 500 108

    Live chat

    Mon-Fri 8am - 6pm

    AIA New Zealand Limited
    AIA House, 74 Taharoto Road, 
    Takapuna, Auckland 0622
    New Zealand

    Request an Adviser Call
    Apply Online
    Make a Claim
    FAQs
    View all contact options
    CONTACT US

    0800 500 108

    Live chat
    Mon - Fri 8am to 6pm
    AIA House, 74 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
    Request an Adviser call
    Make a claim
    Update my details
    View all contact options
    About AIA
    About AIA New Zealand
    Careers
    News and Press
    Sovereign joins AIA
    Anti-bribery and corruption
    Vist AIA.com to learn more about AIA Group.
    Why AIA
    AIA Vitality
    Airpoints™
    Our Financial Strength
    Our Commitments
    Useful Links
    Home Loans: GO Online login
    MyAIA login
    Investment Products
    Past Insurance Products
    Popular Products
    Life Insurance
    Health Insurance Cover
    Income Protection Insurance
    Business Continuity Cover
    ABOUT AIA
    About AIA New Zealand
    Careers
    News and Press
    Sovereign joins AIA
    Anti-bribery and corruption
    Rainbow Tick
    Visit AIA.com to learn more about AIA Group.
    WHY AIA
    AIA Vitality
    Airpoints™
    Our Financial Strength
    Our Commitments
    Useful Links
    Home Loans: GO Online login
    MyAIA login
    Investment Products
    Past Insurance Products
    Popular Products
    Life Insurance
    Health Insurance
    Income Protection Insurance
    Business Continuity Cover

    Copyright © 2020, AIA New Zealand Limited (Company Registration No: 352806), and its affiliates and subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
    Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Cookie Policy | Duty of Disclosure

    This website uses cookies for the purpose of enhancing your user experience. You can find more information on the types of cookies we collect, what we use these for, and how to manage your cookie settings in our Cookie Policy and Privacy Statement.