How these organizations are leading in making employee mental health a priority

Running a small business is no easy feat.

Juggling long days and managing cash flow while trying to maintain personal relationships and dealing with isolation if you’re working on your own can be a lot to deal with!

You are the most valuable asset to your business and prioritizing your health and well-being – and that of those around you – will see you well-placed to focus on your business.

To help you do this, we’ve put together this list of resources designed with small business owners in mind.

NewAccess for Small Business Owners

NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free and confidential mental health coaching and support program. During the program, you’ll work with a coach to identify and discuss the challenges you’re facing and create a personalized plan based on your needs. You’ll also receive up to five follow-up sessions to work through your plan, learn practical skills, and review your progress.

My Business Health

My Business Health is a resource created to give small and family business owners access to tools, templates, and tips to manage stress and proactively engage in running their businesses. Created by the Australian Small Business and Family Ombudsman (ASBFEO) and supported by Beyond Blue, the website includes specific information on COVID-19 and cash flow, both of which can be sources of stress for business owners.

Ahead for Business

The Ahead for Business website has a range of free tools to help you take action when it comes to managing your health and well-being. It includes tools to help you assess your situation and create a well-being program for your business.

Beyond Blue small business support guide

When small business owners experience mental health challenges, members of their business support network might be the first to notice. Beyond Blue’s ‘Supporting small business owners’ resource offers practical tips for close contacts helping a small business owner in distress. Beyond Blue has also launched a website dedicated to supporting anyone affected or concerned by the pandemic.

R U OK? Day

The resources on the R U OK? Day website offers guidance on how you can start a life-changing conversation and help build a more connected world – at work, at home, and in the community.

On 9 September 2021, and every day, ask the question R U OK? not only to your employees but also to yourself.

Free business advice from the SBDC

We provide a range of services to the small business sector, including free business advice and a dedicated dispute resolution service. If you would like to talk to a business adviser about your situation, call us on 133 140 to speak to a member of our team.

What else can I do? 

There are some easy steps you can take to avoid exhaustion and burnout:

  • Regularly switch off and disconnect from devices.
  • Prioritize spending time with family and friends.
  • Schedule holidays or short breaks.
  • Develop guidelines to help you separate business from personal time.

When it comes to your employees, it’s OK to ask people about the stress they are experiencing and ask them why they think they are feeling that way. Sometimes just letting someone know that you are there to listen without being judgmental is a good way to help them cope.

What if I need to talk to someone now?

If you need to talk to someone now, the following services are free and available 24 hours a day:

More information

For more tips on how to manage your well-being as a business owner, read:

Citation

 

SBDC Blog. “Managing your well-being as a business owner.” People, 12 Apr. 2021, Small Business Development Corporation,

https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/blog/managing-your-wellbeing-business-owner.


The National Business Association has authored and curated resources on various topics and in multiple formats that will help you achieve your goals. Whether you are considering starting your first business or if you are a seasoned entrepreneur, there is something in this Resource section of the NBA website that will be helpful. We hope you find this article useful.

Providing relevant resources in an easy-to-navigate format is one of the many ways that the NBA accomplishes its mission of helping small businesses succeed. It fulfills our vision of being an indispensable resource for the self-employed, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. If you are interested in a deeper relationship with the NBA, sign up for our free email newsletter or learn about becoming a member by clicking on the “Join the NBA” tab.