Trade Me to hold biggest ever Pink Shirt Day

Trade Me’s iconic mascot Kevin the Kiwi is getting ready to dust off his tailored pink polo in preparation for Pink Shirt Day on 18 May.
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Since 2011, the famous blue Trade Me kiwi has turned a shade of pink to support the Mental Health Foundation.

The aim is to raise awareness of everyone’s power to prevent bullying, celebrate diversity and promote communities where people feel safe, respected and valued.

It’s not just Kevin who gets behind Pink Shirt Day, Trade Me’s staff of more than 600 get involved too. 
Trade Me staff - Pink Shirt Day
From wearing pink short shorts, feather boas and official t-shirts, to holding a pink themed feast and making a video, Trade Me throws its full support behind the anti-bullying campaign.

“We know workplace wellbeing and initiatives like Pink Shirt Day are a very good investment of time, energy and money,” says Trade Me spokesperson Paul Ford.

“Supporting our people and focusing on their wellbeing means happier staff and helps make Trade Me a fantastic place to work.”
The Mental Health Foundation says mental wellbeing is one of the most valuable business assets.

“Workplaces that prioritise mental health have better engagement, reduced absenteeism and higher productivity, while employees have improved wellbeing, greater morale and higher job satisfaction,” says Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson.
For Trade Me, Paul says wellbeing is even more important after the company ballooned from 200 to 600 staff in just seven years.

“Trade Me is massively reliant on producing technology that people want to use so we understand how important it is for us to have strong organisational effectiveness and a magnetic company culture.

“We want to do everything we can to ensure our people work together to produce online experiences that Kiwis love – and that has a positive impact on their lives,” says Paul.

Paul says diverse views and cultures are not only respected at Trade Me, but also embraced.
He says Pink Shirt Day is another reminder of the importance of promoting and celebrating diversity, as well as reaffirming wellbeing as a priority within company culture all year round.

“We have free lunchtime sport, fitness activities, free parking for bikes, walking meetings, access to a free and confidential counselling service and seminars on things like goal planning and financial advice.

“We’re also planning to introduce a wellness room which staff members will be able to use to rest, pray and make things a little bit easier for new parents returning to work.”

Trade Me is planning on holding its biggest ever Pink Shirt Day come 18 May. To see how your workplace, school or community group can get involved visit the Pink Shirt Day website.