A university researcher is calling on people living in Rotorua for help studying mental wellbeing in the workplace.
Former Rotorua woman Sarah Gordon, a researcher at the University of Otago, says the study will break away from the negative focus on workplace discrimination by examining employment success stories.
Dr Gordonwants to hear from people who have experienced mental distress in their job but are now enjoying a positive environment and progress at work.
They and their employers must be happy to be interviewed.
"We know that recovery from mental distress is as much about maximising wellbeing as it is about minimising the impact of mental illness and work can be key," she said.
" One in five New Zealanders in the workforce have experienced mental distress at work, she said.
"Employees who would like to participate need to have regularly or occasionally sought support or treatment from mental health services, such as a GP or district health board mental health team, or services run by non-government organisations."
The project is being funded by the Mental Health Foundation, and the findings will be used to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.
