News

Mental health plays a big part in any organisation, of any size, in any industry. At any one time, one in six employees will be experiencing a mental health issue and failing to respond to this can cost employers up to $2,000 per employee per year.

Responding to mental ill health at work is the key driver behind Mindful Employer NZ, a new programme set to be launched in the Waikato region next week.

Click on the title of this news article to read this media release.

A return on investment analysis has demonstrated that an evidence-based supported employment approach (EBSE) to assist people with mental health conditions return to work has the potential to provide significant financial returns to government.

The analysis was undertaken by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the Wise Group in order to better understand the benefits of EBSE. The Wise Group is a strong advocate of EBSE which sees paid employment as a key goal for helping people get well, and stay well. Under EBSE, the employment consultant becomes a member of the support or clinical mental health team.

Click on the title of this news article to read more .

Working together moves mountains.

For people with a mental illness, having a paid job is a key part of getting well and staying well.

It’s an underlying principle of a new primary care employment support initiative underway in Hamilton involving Workwise, the Wise Group’s own employment agency.

Midlands Health Network, Workwise and Waikato Work and Income have joining together to provide the service which will see two Workwise consultants working with six general practice teams in Hamilton.

Click on the title of this news article to read more. 

Workwise has been awarded a bronze accreditation in the WorkWell workplace wellness management programme. Click on the title of this news article to read more.

As an employer, would you know what to do if one of your staff experiences depression, anxiety or another mental health condition at work? The Waikato Times interviews Workwise chief executive Warren Elwin about how Workwise works with employers to support their employees while keeping their businesses running smoothly.

Peter is a successful Waikato businessman who has been to hell and back. At the worst of it, he found himself wandering in a park alone, mumbling to himself. He says the experience of hitting rock bottom has made him a stronger, better person. Waikato Times reporter Ali Tocker speaks with Peter about his experiences. 

Mental health is becoming a significant issue for New Zealanders. Not only is there the immense personal cost to people with experience of mental illness and their families, there is also a cost to employers and the Government, Workwise chief executive Warren Elwin says. The Waikato Times looks at the job Workwise does to make a difference.

Jake Shaw had a logistical dilemma – at short notice, he needed about 30 fully trained, experienced and professional truck drivers with heavy vehicle licences. The Waikato Times looks at how Workwise stepped in to save the day providing some excellent candidates off their books.

Any Workwise employment consultant will tell you that people who experience mental illness want to work, and can work. But a growing body of international evidence is now proving that having a paid job is a key part of getting well and staying well…

Read this One Magazine article published September 2011 by the Wise Group. 

Two of New Zealand’s leading supported employment teams, Work First and Workwise, are joining forces to offer services to Wellington people with experience of mental illness. Both teams have been recognised for their work both in New Zealand and internationally.

The 2009 Association for Supported Employment in New Zealand (ASENZ) Conference was recently held in Wellington. Workwise featured strongly and three Workwise staff, Stephanie Walker, Tyron Pini and Warren Elwin, were recognised for their dedication and achievements.

Workwise employment consultant Tony Pike has been recognised at the Ministry of Social Development’s Mainstream Employment Awards. The Mainstream Employment Programme provides a package of subsidies, training and support to help people with significant disabilities get work in the state sector. Mr Pike was awarded the Mainstream Placement Specialist of the Year Award for excelling in the prevision of support to Mainstream Programme participants. Click the link to read the Mainstream Awards press release.