The recently published Umbrella Wellbeing Report 2025 offers a timely reminder for New Zealand businesses to keep people at the heart of operations. With 1 in 3 working New Zealanders reporting moderate to high psychological distress—up from previous years—the report’s findings underline a growing wellbeing crisis in the workforce.
In the agricultural sector, the implications are clear: wellbeing isn't a “nice to have”—it’s a business imperative. The report highlights that businesses with proactive wellbeing strategies not only reduce absenteeism and burnout but also improve team cohesion and productivity. With the ongoing challenges of labour shortages, unpredictable weather, and rising costs, farming businesses that invest in their people are more resilient and better positioned to thrive.
A particularly relevant insight is the increasing pressure on leaders. Managers are reporting significantly higher stress and poorer mental health compared to their teams. In farming, where owners and senior staff often carry the bulk of responsibility, this raises concerns. Who is looking after the leaders?
The report recommends three evidence-based priorities:
addressing workload and fatigue,
improving psychological safety, and
supporting leaders.
For many businesses, this could mean reassessing rostering systems, creating space for open conversations, and providing leadership training tailored to the realities of farming life.
In short, investing in workplace wellbeing isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about future-proofing your farm. As the report concludes: “Wellbeing is everyone’s business.” For the ag sector, it starts with recognising the value of people, every day.
If you are interested in more insights from the report, or want to explore ways to address the priorities identified in your business, contact Louise at louise@no8hr.com or give her a call on 021 144 1996 today.