New Zealanders struggling with back to work anxiety related to Covid-19 are being urged to seek help early.
There has been a spike in demand for mental health services from people affected by increased workloads, work from home isolation, and those hit by job loss or business closure.
As the impact of Covid-19 deepens wellbeing experts are calling on employers to be clear about what support is available - and for employees to use it.
Many large corporations have Employment Assistance Programs (EAPs) to provide independent support and counselling to staff.
But Benestar CEO Julie Cressey said often staff were unaware of what was available and how to access it.
"Employers need to be proactive about promoting the services and encourage staff to use it sooner rather than later," she said.
"If people get in touch early they might only need one or two sessions with a counsellor and be better equipped to deal with stress."
A resilient workforce was able to handle high pressure better and was more productive, Cressey said.
Robyn Shearer, Deputy Director-General, Mental Health, and Addiction at the Ministry of Health said early intervention was key.
She said the recent $500million Covid-19 response health package meant a range of free support was being rolled out across New Zealand.
Help was available by phone, text, web, and in-person through new digital tools, virtual therapy and extra resources for telehealth services like 1737, Shearer said.
She urged workers to visit the Ministry of Health website to see what service suited their needs.
