CASE STUDY: Work Life Balance - Department of Internal Affairs
The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua has recognised that a supportive environment for employees must include help with mental health issues and has worked to create a system that supports its people towards holistic wellbeing.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has more than 2,300 staff in a wide range of jobs across the country. Its mātāpono (values) are manaakitanga (showing kindness, respect and hospitality towards others), whanaungatanga (relationships), kotahitanga (strength in unity), and he tāngata (a belief that people are important). These values underpin the DIA ‘Wellness Roadmap.’
The roadmap includes the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub, dedicated leadership support, employee education and a network of culture champions. The Hub, accessible by all staff through the company intranet, includes fact sheets, tips, tools and templates that are based around the Mental Health Foundation’s Five Ways to Wellbeing at Work Toolkit.
The implementation, support for and success of the programme led to the Department of Internal Affairs' nomination as a finalist in the Work Life Balance category of the 2019 Diversity Works Awards.