ALL BRAINS WELCOME: NEURODIVERGENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

We are delighted to announce our NEW Neurodivergence in the Workplace workshops designed to empower business leaders and staff with the knowledge and tools needed to support neurodivergent employees.

Neurodiversity encompasses a broad range of neurological differences, including conditions such as autism, ADHD, and learning differences. Recognising and supporting these differences can unlock a wealth of untapped potential and diverse perspectives within the workplace.

With an estimated 6-8% of the global adult population being neurodivergent, and many not disclosing their support needs, it's crucial for businesses to recognise and support neurodiversity. This not only benefits the employees but also enhances overall workplace productivity and culture.

The workshops offer practical strategies to create an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. Download the brochure.

PRESENTEEISM AT WORK AND THE COST TO

BUSINESS IN NEW ZEALAND

In case you missed it - the Annual Umbrella Wellbeing Report for 2025 is now available, and this year we're diving deep into "presenteeism" - working while mentally or physically unwell. The silent drain on workplaces is bigger than you may think - impacting on productivity, wellbeing, and costing New Zealand businesses $46 billion a year. We crunched the numbers from 8,600 plus employees in New Zealand organisations as part of our Wellbeing Assessment to uncover the hidden impact on employee wellbeing and what leaders can do to turn the tide.

So what’s driving presenteeism in NZ workplaces?

• Workplace culture: Such as when leaders work while sick, and employees feel they should too.
• Life outside of work: Financial pressures, chronic illness, or caregiving responsibilities often force people to choose work over rest.
• Personal mindset: Many workers struggle with guilt, people-pleasing, or a belief that they “can’t afford” to take time off.

Understanding these drivers is the first step to making meaningful change. If you would like to learn more we invite you to join clinical psychologist, Dr Dougal Sutherland, in a short webinar on Wednesday, 7th May at 1.00pm. Register today.

WHAT ELEPHANTS CAN TEACH US ABOUT BRAIN HEALTH

In 1990, Auckland Zoo welcomed Burma, an elephant whose life story offers insights into brain health. Elephants, like humans, thrive on strong social bonds, crucial for emotional and cognitive wellbeing. Elephants are highly social, forming tight-knit groups and extensive networks. Similarly, humans are wired for social connection, and isolation can trigger stress responses that harm our health. Chronic stress from prolonged isolation can lead to cognitive decline and increased dementia risk.

Burma's experiences at Auckland Zoo highlight the importance of social health. Despite forming relationships with her keepers and other animals, she faced significant social challenges, especially after losing her elephant companions. Her relocation to Australia aimed to restore her social wellbeing by integrating her into a new herd.

Just as Burma's keepers prioritised her social needs, we should evaluate and strengthen our social connections. Investing in meaningful social connections is as vital for our brain health as physical exercise. By fostering strong social bonds, we can protect our cognitive functions and enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling life.

To read the full article by Umbrella's clinical psychologist, Dr. Nigel George, and intern Alex Crook, a Masters student in Organisational Psychology, click the button below.

PINK SHIRT DAY: WHEN DOES BANTER BECOME BULLYING

In honour of Pink Shirt Day on 16 May, when Aotearoa New Zealand unites to celebrate diversity and stand against bullying. We revisit  when workplace banter becomes bullying, and how to understand and deal with workplace bullying. We are also accepting bookings for short anti-bullying sessions for your team on Pink Shirt Day.

Rest and Recharging: Making the most of your break – how do you make the most of your break? Taking a holiday boosts wellbeing, but the longevity of the benefits depends on several factors: time away, actives, and mental detachment from work. Dr Dougal Sutherland breaks down the data, offering advice to ensure that the benefits of your break stick around as long as possible.

On the Up: How can we find the positives in an increasingly negative world? – The world can feel like a dark and gloomy place at times, particularly at the moment. With wars, economic uncertainty and certain politicians always generating headlines, it’s hard to avoid feeling down. But in amongst all this doom and gloom, there are plenty of stories worth celebrating in New Zealand. We get advice from psychologist Dr Dougal Sutherland on how to reset our minds and focus on the positive news out there.

Dr Dougal Sutherland: Presenteeism, losing work for mental and physical health – Most people know about the impact mental and physical health can have on absenteeism (i.e., being off work due to ill-health) and the associated effect this has on productivity. People are less familiar with presenteeism – that’s where you go to work with mental or physical health problems and don’t function to the full extent of your ability.

OTHER WAYS WE CAN HELP: