Xero backs nationwide sleep drive for business owners

Xero is supporting a nationwide sleep and well-being initiative aimed at helping business owners and workplaces address stress, fatigue and mental load through breathing and sleep programmes.

The accounting software company is backing Take a Breath Sleep Week, which includes a free seven-day sleep challenge, online webinars, workplace programmes and sleep education resources.

The initiative is targeted at business owners, employees, colleagues and families across New Zealand. Participants will be encouraged to join a National Sleep Experiment through the Take a Breath mobile application.

Xero said the programme reflects growing concern around the impact of stress and poor sleep on small business operators and workplace well-being.

The campaign comes as employers and technology companies place greater focus on mental health support, burnout prevention and productivity across workplaces.

Sleep focus

The seven-day challenge centres on breathing exercises and sleep routines designed to improve rest, focus and energy levels.

Programme organisers said the challenge was designed to fit into daily schedules and includes breathing training and educational resources.

The campaign cites findings that 76% of people improved their sleep within a week by changing breathing patterns.

Xero said the initiative was intended to support people managing the pressures of running businesses and leading teams.

Business pressure

Xero said many business owners experience disrupted sleep during periods of financial pressure, long working hours and sustained decision-making demands. It mentioned the mental load of running a business often extends beyond working hours, making it difficult for people to switch off properly.

The company linked poor sleep with reduced concentration, resilience, energy levels, judgement and workplace performance. Xero added that many business owners it engages with report sleep as one of the first areas affected during stressful periods.

The company said the campaign was designed to acknowledge the personal and emotional pressures business owners face alongside their operational and financial responsibilities.

Workplace plans

The campaign also includes workplace participation programmes aimed at employers and schools. Organisers said workplaces will be able to access educational material, team challenges and well-being resources as part of the initiative.

The programme includes live online webinars focused on breathing, stress and sleep, alongside practical tools intended to support sleep improvement. A separate live event featuring sleep experts and workplace well-being discussions is also planned during the campaign period.

The initiative reflects broader efforts by employers and software companies to address employee well-being through preventative health programmes and workplace education.

Mental health and well-being support has become a larger focus for employers following increased concern over burnout, staff retention and workplace stress in recent years.

Community support

Xero said supporting the business community involves recognising the human side of running a business, not only financial and operational demands. The company said it works closely with business owners and sees the level of commitment and pressure many carry while operating their businesses.

Xero said good sleep habits are closely linked to breathing patterns and that the campaign includes events, tools and activations intended to help people experience the benefits of improved breathing and sleep routines.

The company said the initiative was being extended to workplaces, schools and communities as part of a broader well-being effort.