National survey seeking insights on mental health and wellbeing in small business

Everymind has launched a new national survey, targeting people who own or work in a small business to help us better understand key stressors and the mental health and wellbeing of those within the sector.

The survey will gather vital information to help shape the redevelopment of Ahead for Business, a digital hub that supports small business owners to take action to support their own mental health and wellbeing.

Acting Director Associate Professor Carmel Loughland is encouraging anyone who owns or works in a small business (i.e any business with fewer than 20 employees), to share their thoughts and experiences through Everymind’s online survey.

“The survey takes just 15 minutes to complete and the results will help develop targeted, practical supports to improve wellbeing and mental health outcomes in small business,” she said.

“We know there are a number of inherent stressors in running a business, including long working hours, difficulty taking time off for holidays or even illness, multiple responsibilities, and financial stress.

“Some business owners report that these stressors lead to difficulty ‘switching off’ when not at work or waking up at 3am worried about the business.

“If that’s you, we want to hear from you to learn what kind of supports would best help you to identify, manage and reduce workplace stress and learn strategies for self-care to keep you healthy and productive in your business.”

Ahead for Business was first launched in October 2018 and was informed by research from an initial small business survey. The fit-for-purpose website provides information, resources and tools to empower business owners to manage everyday stressors and plan for time off by creating a small business mental health plan.

The program was funded with a $3.1 million grant from the Federal Government announced last December, which will help support its expansion. This followed $1.1 million in initial funding from the icare foundation in 2017 to develop Ahead for Business and trial it at three regional sites across New South Wales.

Everymind will continue to work with small business owners, as well as state and national leaders in the small business and mental health sectors, to further develop the program.

“We want to hear directly from small business owners about their needs. Ahead for Business is a collaborative effort with small business to design and refine a tool tailored for their specific needs,” said Associate Professor Loughland.