Running a business is tough. Not only in terms of cost, managing finances and all the other operational issues, but it can have an impact on your mental health too.
Research found that over half of small business owners had experienced poor mental health, with anxiety, depression and loneliness reported as major issues by founders.
It also found that one in three had experienced burnout. Business owners surveyed work over 46 hours a week on average, 10 hours more than the average 36.4 working hours by workers in the UK.
In addition, 73% take fewer than 20 days off each year, well below the UK statutory annual leave entitlement of 28 days, while 44% admitted to struggling with sleep, and a third getting less than five hours of sleep a night.
To mark this year’s World Mental Health Day on 10 October and to help small business owners manage their own mental health and that of their employees, here’s a round-up of tips and advice published on SMEWeb, plus some other useful resources.
Managing mental health advice for small business owners
How to prioritise mental health in the workplace
Six ways to support your workforce’s mental health
Practising empathy to reduce anxiety at work
Why it’s time for SMEs to take stress management seriously
There is no one size fits all mental health policy in the workplace
Why good work is essential for good mental health
Five harmful myths about leadership, and how they’re damaging leaders’ mental health
Other resources to help small business owners manage their mental health
Resources from Mind to support mental health in the workplace
Health and wellbeing advice from Federation of Small Businesses
Wellbeing resources for managers and business owners from Bupa
Advice from Start Up Loans on supporting your mental health when starting a business
Enterprise Nation webinars on managing mental health as a founder here and here
Small Business Commissioner advice on managing mental health when chasing late payments
