As an NZ employer, you have a legal duty to manage risks to mental health and wellbeing. That includes taking “all practicable steps” to prevent harm caused by workplace stress under the Health and Safety at Work Act. According to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, nearly 1 in 4 Kiwi workers experience high levels of work-related stress. For small businesses, the impact can be magnified if fewer people means more pressure on each role, and less margin for downtime.

If you’ve ever had an employee raise a grievance — and it wasn’t something that could be resolved over a coffee or quick phone call — you’ll know how quickly things can get complicated. If you're off to mediation, here's a quick breakdown of what to expect...

When an employee reports bullying, an employer has a legal (and ethical) responsibility to address it promptly and effectively to ensure