Running a small business allows 2.5+ million Australians to be their own boss and carve out a rewarding career and lifestyle.
It is often seen as the epitome of entrepreneurial success and financial independence.
However, particularly during economically challenging times, many small business owners experience a negative impact on mental health.
The trifecta of stress, anxiety, and depression can become an unwelcome companion for those navigating small business ownership.
A perpetual juggling act
The latest MYOB Business Monitor survey of 1000 Australian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners and operators found that in the last year, running a small business caused feelings of stress for 46% of respondents and anxiety for 38 per cent of respondents.
The perpetual juggling act of managing finances, employees, and the day-to-day operations can be overwhelming, leading to elevated stress levels.
The Business Monitor shows 56 per cent of respondents agree running their own business has had a direct impact on feelings of depression and anxiety.
Full creative control, flexibility and independence are major benefits to running a small business, but on the flip side, financial uncertainties are frequently a source of stress.
Unlike employees who receive a steady paycheck, small business owners may experience irregular income, especially when consumers are tightening their belts.
Battling increasing costs of business
The latest Business Monitor found in the last year, one in five SME owners either reduced or went without an income due to the increased cost of doing business.
This financial instability can lead to anxiety about meeting obligations such as paying bills, covering payroll, and sustaining the business.
Associated stress can be compounded for small business employers, who are not only responsible for the success of their ventures but also for the livelihoods of their team.
Managing stress and anxiety is crucial for small business owners to maintain their wellbeing and effectively run their businesses. Here are some strategies that may help.
Establish clear boundaries
It’s helpful to create a balance between work and personal life to avoid burnout.
Define specific working hours and stick to them as much as possible.
If you’re working from home, designate a workspace to separate professional and personal environments.
This physical boundary can help create a mental separation between work and leisure.
Prioritise and delegate to make the most of the time you have
If you feel like you’re constantly in ‘reaction’ mode, make a conscious effort to prioritise tasks based on importance.
It might sound obvious, but making space to focus on the most critical tasks first and break larger projects into smaller, manageable steps can help give you breathing room.
Delegate responsibilities to trusted team members or consider outsourcing tasks that don’t require your direct attention.
This can lighten your workload and increase productivity.
Practice preventative stress-relief techniques
When you’re running a business it can feel like you’re juggling multiple tasks at once.
Where you can, focus on preventative wellness techniques, to build your mental resilience for when stress or anxiety hit.
Be vigilant about incorporating regular breaks into your day. Taking a quick walk or doing deep breathing exercises can help clear your mind and reduce stress.
You might also explore mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga. These practices can improve your mental wellbeing and provide tools to cope with stress effectively.
The Smiling Mind Small Business Program is a helpful resource to help create proactive mental health habits.
Ask for help
Remember, seeking support from friends, family, or professional networks is also crucial.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help, and consider joining business owner support groups to share experiences and gain insights from others in similar situations.
The fast-paced nature of entrepreneurship often means long working hours, with owners wearing multiple hats within their organisations.
The boundary between work and personal life becomes blurred, making it challenging to disconnect and unwind.
There’s no doubt this is a challenging time for small business owners, and it’s more important than ever to prioritise preventative wellbeing strategies to build and maintain mental health resilience.
Information provided in this article is of a general nature and does not consider your personal situation. It does not constitute legal, financial, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as a statement of law, policy or advice. You should consider whether this information is appropriate to your needs and, if necessary, seek independent advice. This information is only accurate at the time of publication. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this webpage, MYOB disclaims, to the extent permitted by law, all liability for the information contained on this webpage or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.
