It was eye catching to read a current report that we have published in part below, from the ABC online news service that so accurately describes an increasing pattern we are seeing in our professional work as mental & physical health consultants. On typically a fortnightly basis over the last few years we get to work ‘one on one’ with a diverse range of business owners in confidential one hour consultations to provide solutions to these challenging issues.  ( See www.guidelight.com.au  – Individuals and Families page )

Furthermore these increasing stresses being faced by business owners, are some of the reasons that  led us to create a specific ½ day professional development forum ( see www.creatinghealthierworkplaces.com.au – Leadership Forums ) and also a rejuvenating Wellness in the Wilderness day long program ( see www.creatinghealthierworkplaces.com.au- Home page ).

Interested new clients are warmly encouraged to contact us for tools, strategies and techniques that will work for them in this critical area of stress management and regaining peace of mind.”

Why are small business owners stressed?

Associate Professor Angela Martin from the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics University of Tasmania has undertaken research into mental health in small business owners.

Martin says there are a number of unique risk factors for mental illness faced by small business owners.

These include:

• financial stress due to unpredictable income
• high levels of uncertainty where you don’t know where the next job is coming from
• high job demands and multiple responsibilities in the workplace
• isolation and lack of social support
• high level responsibility to others including employees and family
• presenteeism where you continue to work even if you aren’t well, because if you are away the business doesn’t happen
• long hours which may be even a bigger problem than in the corporate world
• blurring of boundaries between home and work, finding it difficult to separate yourself from your work and not taking time out for yourself
• business failure, which also carries a suicide risk.These types of factors can result in job stress or strain, which pose a high risk factor for the development of depression.And depression hits small business owners further, especially if they’re unable to work and lose their source of income.

If you are stressed and can’t find a way out, we can help.

Call our office 07 5527 0123 and make an appointment at either our Brisbane or Gold Coast offices.