Mental Health in the Workplace: The Hidden Strain on Business Owners
Running a business can be hugely rewarding, but it also comes with pressures that are often invisible to others. Long hours, financial uncertainty, and the responsibility of supporting employees and clients can take a toll on even the most resilient leaders.
Common stressors for business owners
For many business owners, cash flow is one of the biggest sources of stress. Waiting on late payments while juggling wages, supplier bills, and overheads creates constant pressure. This financial uncertainty is compounded by external factors, like changing interest rates, rising costs, and shifting consumer demand. These factors (plus more) can make the future feel unpredictable and stressful.
On top of the financial challenges, it’s common for business owners to feel a sense of isolation. Without peers to share the load with, it’s easy to feel alone in decision-making. The massive variety of roles that owners juggle, from strategy and sales to HR, compliance, and customer service, only adds to the strain. And underlying it all is the knowledge that employees and their families depend on your business. That responsibility, while noble, can weigh heavily.
You’re not alone
If you’ve felt the weight of these challenges, you’re far from alone. Nearly one in three business owners reports experiencing high levels of psychological distress, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Research also revealed that almost half of Australian business owners have experienced a mental health condition previously.
These numbers paint a stark picture, but they also serve as a reminder that you’re not in this alone. The pressures of running a business are real and widespread, and recognising that is the first step toward addressing them.
Taking steps towards support
The good news is that support is available, and there are practical steps business owners can take to protect their mental health. Setting boundaries around work hours and ensuring proper rest may feel impossible, but even small adjustments can reduce burnout over time. Building a support network through mentors, peers, or business groups can make challenges feel more manageable and less isolating. Learning to delegate or outsource tasks allows business owners to focus their energy on what matters most, instead of being stretched too thin.
Most importantly, reaching out for professional help can make a real difference. Whether it’s a conversation with a GP, a psychologist, or a coach, having tools and strategies to manage stress provides both relief and resilience.
Beyond Blue’s NewAccess program
For business owners who feel they’re reaching their limit, Beyond Blue offers NewAccess for Small Business Owners. This free and confidential mental health coaching program is designed specifically with entrepreneurs and business owners in mind. The program connects you with a coach who understands the unique challenges of running a business and who can provide practical support tailored to your situation.
If the pressures of business are starting to take a toll on your well-being, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Support is available, and taking that first step can make all the difference.
