Practical Approaches To Supporting Mental Wellbeing in Small Businesses
Running a small business comes with unique challenges, and the mental wellbeing of both owners and employees can often take a backseat to operational demands.
Yet addressing workplace mental health isn’t just compassionate—it’s good business sense. It should be viewed as an investment, NOT a perk.
The Reality of Workplace Mental Health
Recent 2025 data from Mental Health UK shows alarming trends, with studies suggesting that 80% have experienced symptoms of poor mental health.
Here are some no/low-cost strategiesto implement in your work environment:
1. Foster an open communication culture
- Foster an open communication culture
Creating an environment where conversations about mental health are normalised costs nothing but can bring significant benefits. Consider:
- Regular check-ins with team members
- Regular check-ins with yourself: lead by example and be open about your own wellbeing challenges
- Avoiding assumptions about what others might be experiencing
2. Implement flexible working arrangements
Flexibility can significantly reduce stress without impacting productivity:
- Consider output rather than hours worked
- Allow for adjustable start and finish times where possible
- Trust employees to manage their workload in ways that suit their wellbeing
3. Promote physical activity and stress reduction
The AXA Mind Health Report shows that employees prefer lifestyle-oriented solutions for managing work-related stress:
- Encourage regular breaks for physical movement
- Consider team activities that incorporate exercise
- Introduce simple mindfulness practices at the start of meetings
4. Establish clear boundaries
In small businesses, work-life boundaries often blur:
- Set expectations about after-hours communications
- Respect holiday time and encourage proper breaks
- Model healthy boundaries as a business owner
5. Connect with support networks
Small business owners don’t have to tackle mental health challenges alone:
- Join peer networks of fellow business owners
- Explore resources from organisations like Mind
- Consider accessing professional support like solution focused therapy
The Business OWNERS Case For Mental Health Support
While supporting employee wellbeing is crucial, business owners must also prioritise their own mental health:
Sustainable leadership: A mentally healthy owner makes better decisions and provides more consistent leadership
Increased resilience: Proper self-care enhances your ability to weather business challenges and setbacks
Improved cognitive function: Regular mental health maintenance improves problem-solving and creative thinking
Better client relationships: When you’re mentally in a good place, you communicate more effectively and build stronger connections
Business longevity: Preventing burnout ensures you can continue building your business for the long term
Financial stability: Clear thinking leads to sounder financial decisions and reduced stress-based spending
Work-life satisfaction: Finding balance between business demands and personal wellbeing creates a more fulfilling entrepreneurial journey
