Xero Executive Craig Hudson: Revolutionizing Workplace Culture Through Mental Wellness

Xero Executive Craig Hudson: Championing Mental Wellness in the Workplace

Craig Hudson, a former rugby player turned Xero executive, shares his transformative journey and insights on the significance of mental wellness in the workplace with Jessica-Belle Greer. His story underscores the power of vulnerability and the profound impact of cultivating a supportive work environment.

The State of Mental Health in New Zealand

New Zealanders are celebrated for their resilient spirit, yet the nation grapples with substantial mental health challenges. Recent studies reveal that a quarter of New Zealand adults experience poor mental wellbeing. Craig Hudson, Xero’s managing director and a fervent mental health advocate, sheds light on this pressing issue: “We have some of the worst statistics in the OECD. It is deeply ingrained in our culture that we need to change.”

Craig Hudson’s Personal Journey

Craig’s journey is a compelling narrative of overcoming mental health adversities. Raised in a traditional Kiwi household, Craig was deeply involved in sports and faced academic struggles. His international rugby career ended abruptly due to a virus caused by overtraining syndrome, which severely affected his heart. This life-altering injury forced him into early retirement.

During his recovery, Craig adopted a dog to encourage him to go for walks. After a year, he transitioned into the corporate world but found the toxic workplace culture more damaging than his physical injuries. His self-doubt spiraled into serious mental health issues, impacting his personal life and relationships.

Finding Support and Recovery

With the unwavering support of his wife, Bronwyn, Craig left his job and found employment at a family-owned company. Although prescribed medication, it proved ineffective. Fortunately, his new boss opened up to him, creating a sense of psychological safety that allowed Craig to share his struggles. Through business coaching and counseling, he learned strategies to understand his triggers and safely discontinued his medication.

A New Beginning at Xero

In 2014, Craig and his family moved to the UK, where he joined Xero in a junior role. Within two years, he was promoted twice, becoming a regional director and leading the business into Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa. Now back in New Zealand as the managing director for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Craig oversees the company’s business performance and champions the small-business economy.

Promoting Mental Wellness at Work

Craig decided to share his mental health journey with his staff, fostering a workplace culture where authenticity is valued. “If a leader can have more genuine conversations and be more transparent, open, and honest, it drives trust and connections,” he says. This openness has led to the creation of wellbeing champions throughout Xero’s global offices.

According to the World Health Organization, leadership commitment and engagement are crucial for achieving healthy workplaces. Research by Teladoc Health found that half of the employees feel more comfortable about their mental health when executives talk openly about it.

The Business Case for Mental Wellness

Xero’s Small Business Wellbeing Report, in association with the Mental Health Foundation, found that every dollar spent on mental health services in New Zealand could yield $3.50 in productivity gains and other savings. However, 40% of small business employers do not believe their staff’s wellbeing is their responsibility.

Craig emphasizes the importance of workplaces in supporting mental wellness: “After specialist mental health services and primary healthcare, workplaces are the next biggest place of mental wellness support. They can—and indeed must—play a central role in building people’s resilience and positive mental wellbeing.”

The Check-In: A Tool for Workplace Wellness

Craig and his team created The Check-In, a simple five-step guide available for free on Xero’s website. This guide encourages businesses to create a culture of connection and understanding, building leadership capability to empower people to reach their full potential.

“It’s not about having fruit bowls or yoga classes,” says Craig. “It’s about making sure you’re investing in people, holding each other accountable, and truly connecting.”

The Importance of Accountability

Systemic change is the ultimate goal, and accountability is crucial. “All it takes is one thoughtless comment or action, and all the good work that you might have done is undone,” says Craig. “If people see that you’re faking it or just paying lip service, they won’t trust you, and that’s all lost. So you go right back to the start again.”

The Impact of The Check-In

The Check-In has been well-received by companies of all sizes. “The feedback from people thanking us for the work that we’re doing and the personal stories that come in energize you,” says Craig. “I have quite a few reference points—the extreme examples of potentially saving lives is incredible.”

Maintaining Mental Health

Craig maintains his mental health with the support of his family. “I’ve got an exceptional wife who I’m able to connect with, who calls me out for any nonsense,” he says. He also runs regularly, without music, to tune into his thoughts. “That’s a little bit of me time. Now I’m not as guilty about looking after myself because if I’m better, I can better look after others at the same time.”

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