Tackling mental health positively can lead to big gains for small business
SMALL business owners have a major opportunity to make significant gains in their businesses by taking a lead in mental health.
A greater awareness and willingness to make mental health a priority can pay large dividends based on information provided by beyondblue.
The statistics are staggering: two million people in Australia live with anxiety and around one million with depression.
Every year it is estimated that nearly $11 billion is lost by businesses through reduced productivity, absenteeism and compensation claim related to mental health conditions.
That is a huge cost for the community let alone the individuals who often do not seek help for their particular condition.
And let’s not forget that many are small business owners who face multiple challenges in a tough economic climate, in addition to day-to-day life issues. These include long hours, managing ongoing cash flow and feelings of isolation.
Business owners also need to respond to staff issues — including motivating their people, managing underperformance supporting staff with mental health conditions — but who is there to look after the small business owners?
Unlike government or large corporates, the support structures for small businesses are limited but that is changing.
Small business commissioners from around Australia and the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman are working with beyondblue to develop resources specifically for small business owners.
Already there are two beyondblue programs, Heads Up and New Access, to help small business owners and their staff work through mental health issues.
The Heads Up website provides free resources to assist business owners respond to mental health issue in the workplace, including Business in Mind which was developed specifically for small business owners.
A key starting point for small business owners is understanding that the warning signs that perhaps all is not well, including withdrawing socially, excessive worry, feelings of guilt and hopelessness, fatigue, exhaustion, inability to concentrate, changes in work performance and lastly and most significantly, suicidal thoughts.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or notice signs with a staff member, seek professional help.
Part of the key is open communication with staff to ensure that help can be made available where there is evidence things are not quite right.
Mental health issues should not be swept under the carpet, but tackled in a caring and compassionate way.
The condition should be handled in the workplace no differently than we would for any other serious injury or illness.
That includes compassion and support all the way through what can be a very difficult journey.
If in doubt, do not hesitate to seek professional medical help or contact the beyondblue support service on 1300 224 636.
Early intervention can lead to quick recovery and that will flow through to the bottom line.
A business owner who is mentally healthy can face the challenges ahead and likewise a staff member who is back in a good place will be a greater contributor to the success of the business.
Information about mental health in the workplace can be found here.
John Chapman is South Australia’s Small Business Commissioner.
