A cost-of-living crisis survey released by Nib and the Employers and Manufacturing Association shows declining mental and physical health among Kiwis.
Of those who have been negatively impacted by the rising cost of living, half claimed negative effects on their mental health, while a quarter (26%) said it had worsened their physical health. This was higher for younger employees, with 63% of those aged 16-30 reporting harm to their mental wellbeing.
The findings reveal shifts from a corresponding 2022 survey that show Kiwis’ rising concerns for:
- The mental health and wellbeing of family members (64%, up from 56%)
- Personal mental health and wellbeing (55%, up from 51%)
- Personal health (62%, up from 59%)
- The risk of burnout at work (52%, up from 47%)
“Compared to our previous survey, seeing how many of these concerns have increased is confronting and shows the pressures those in the New Zealand workforce face,” says Rob Hennin, CEO, Nib New Zealand.
Asked what benefits they look for when switching jobs, 64% of Kiwis said medical and health insurance (up from 57% in 2022), 48% nominated more comprehensive insurance such as income protection illness cover, 43% said life insurance and 26% said they would like more than the mandated parental leave.
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