This report from Simply Business explores the impact the pandemic has had on smaller businesses, and includes some practical tips for you to share with your staff and colleagues.
Small businesses and the self-employed: moving out of the pandemic
The past year has been tricky for businesses of all sizes. It’s not surprising that the coronavirus pandemic – with its restrictions, lockdowns and worries – has taken its toll on our emotional and mental health.
For small business owners, freelancers and the self-employed across all sectors, it’s been a time of prolonged uncertainty. Uncertainty around finances, rules, and ultimately their livelihoods and futures.
The truth is, we’re facing a mental health crisis. Simply Business recently surveyed almost 800 small business owners in the UK and found that 82% reported poor mental health in the last 12 months. In fact, more than half of all business owners suffered from anxiety, 62% have been affected by stress, and 30% experienced depression. It’s clear that prioritising mental health should be at the forefront of recovery after the pandemic.
So, if you’re a small business owner or freelancer, how can you take care of your wellbeing and those around you? Below, we’ll talk you through some particular resources you’ll find helpful, but first, a gentle reminder of some of the basics that really do make a difference.
Set some boundaries
As tricky as it may feel, it’s really important to set some boundaries for yourself. Scheduling time in your day to take a break away from your work and screens will make a huge difference.
Take care
Stress and sleep are a vicious cycle – when we’re stressed, our sleep is impacted, and when we’re tired, we can become stressed more easily. Simple steps to help us nod off, such as daily exercise, getting some sunlight and eating well, all play a part in reducing stress levels.
Talk it out
Whether it’s a friend, colleague, family or community member, talking really does help. We promise.
We know that sometimes – even pre-pandemic – if you work for yourself it’s tricky to take a break from work, and often it can be hard to focus on wellbeing. We also know that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to supporting mental health at work. So, we’ve chosen some ideas to support you, as a freelancer or small business owner, in whatever you do.
Resources in this toolkit:
IPSE have put together an online coronavirus hub designed to help the self-employed to understand the law, the latest advice, and provide links to other organisations for specialist advice.
You might be used to working from home by now - but you may also sometimes feel the strain of working in a lonely environment. This guide can help it feel easier and less isolating.
Let’s talk mental health
Many people still feel uncomfortable talking about mental health at work. This PDF guide explores how managers can start conversations about supporting their employees' mental wellbeing.
FSB Care
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) offers free access to a personal nurse adviser, an experienced Registered Mental or General Nurse for its members, which can help your staff to get medical attention sooner.
Coronavirus and your wellbeing
This short guide from Mind explores some of the worries and difficulties you might experience due to the coronavirus pandemic, and some ways to ensure your mental health is protected.
Guides to wellness action plans
Wellness action plans are a way for you, and your team if you have one, to identify what helps you stay well and how to spot when you're struggling. This might be the perfect time to have a look.
ISO 45003 is a global standard giving practical guidance on managing psychological health in the workplace. This website explains more about ISO 45003, and how you can access it for free.
Active mobile working
Taking part in regular physical activity is one way of boosting your mood and looking after your health. This one-page PDF guide from Unilever explores ways that mobile and home workers can break up long periods of sitting without disrupting their work.