Supporting your own and others’ wellbeing
Wellbeing is of vital importance to everyone, but perhaps particularly for SME business owners, who often face disastrous consequences if they can’t stay on top of everything or need to take time off work. According to new research by Three Business, almost four in ten (39%) SME business owners say that rising costs are affecting their emotional wellbeing, and almost half (45%) say that mental health support is just as valuable to their business as financial and technological support. The days of stigma around mental health are now long gone, and there are many support services that you can reach out to for support including Mind.
Sadly one health condition that still faces stigma in the workplace is Menopause. This is a natural stage of life and yet it remains a taboo subject in many workplaces. It’s important to recognise that those experiencing menopausal symptoms require the same support and understanding from their employer as anyone experiencing any ongoing health condition. Employers need to break the stigma and taboo surrounding the menopause at work and create an inclusive working environment where employees and managers feel confident to discuss any practical adjustments that may be needed. This advice from the Chartered Institute for Personal Development (CIPD) can support employers to make their workplaces menopause-friendly: Let’s talk menopause | CIPD Guidance
SME business owners have a responsibility to support their workers’ physical and mental health, and fortunately the government has been building a new online service for employers which provides advice and guidance on managing health and disability in the workplace. The service explains your legal obligations and good practice – it may be particularly helpful for smaller businesses without in-house HR support or access to an occupational health service. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is supporting the development of this service and would like your help to test it. By taking part, you’ll receive free information and guidance on disability and health-related employment issues. You could use it to help manage a current case, or simply look around the site to see what’s useful and identify improvements. You can find out more information here: Support with employee health and disability – GOV.UK (dwp.gov.uk)
If you ever feel overwhelmed or anxious about your role as a SME business owner, please know that your accountant is only a phone call away. We can help with practical business advice, act as a sounding board for difficult decisions, and point you to financial and other business support packages to help ease your burden.