Survey highlights the importance of checking in with small business owners

Results from a recent survey affirm the importance of checking in with those who own small businesses after revealing that almost half of Australian small business owners feel stressed or anxious about work every day.

Yellow surveyed 100 small business customers from a wide range of sectors around Australia and found 40% of respondents are stressed about work, but an alarming 72% do not seek any help. This was most prevalent among small business operators aged 51 or above. Reasons for not seeking help included not wanting to be a burden to others and being unsure of where or who to seek help from.

Three quarters of the survey respondents have been running their business for more than 10 years, highlighting that managing work-related stress is not easier for established small business owners.

The highest stressors were revealed as managing business finances (32%), juggling multiple responsibilities (26%) and no work-life balance (16%).

“Running your own business can be hugely rewarding but it comes with high pressure and often small business owners find it hard to switch off from work after hours,” said James Ciuffetelli, Yellow Executive General Manager.

“Having worked with Australian small businesses for more than four decades, we understand the challenges that come with being a small business owner. With Mental Health Week raising awareness of the issue this week, we want to remind all small business operators to take the first step of reaching out to someone – whether that’s a friend, a partner or a family member – and start a conversation about their mental wellbeing.”

Yellow has produced a mental health handbook for small business owners in partnership with R U OK? For more info visit www.yellow.com.au/partnerships/ruok/