JOHN KIRK ANDERSON/Stuff
Smokey T’s Tristin Anderson said he knew all too well about anxiety and stress at work.
The lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have led to an increase in the number of entrepreneurs struggling with their mental health.
It’s something Tristin Anderson, owner of Christchurch barbecue restaurant Smokey T’s, knows all too well.
“As a small business owner in New Zealand, it’s very difficult. Turn off Covid-19 – inflation and interest rates rising with no finish line in sight – of course I have stress and anxiety,” he said.
And he wasn’t alone.
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New insights from the MYOB 2022 Business Monitor – a survey of more than 1,000 local small-to-medium business (SME) owners – have shown that approximately one-third of SME owners and operators have experienced mental illness since they started or take over their business.
The accounting platform found of those who have experienced mental illness, 85% reported experiencing stress, up 9% from last year.
Anxiety was experienced by 71%, an increase of 7%, and 39% had experienced depression.
GOODS
Health Minister Andrew Little said in Christchurch Thursday’s budget will include a $100 million investment in mental health over four years.
Most of the SMEs surveyed said Covid-19 had impacted their well-being the most, remaining in first place from 2021. This was followed by lack of sleep (35%) and work pressure (29%).
To keep things positive in the workplace, Anderson said his company’s intent was to create a family work environment.
“Which means we can interact with our employees on a personal level to create a place that we think is another home away from home,” he said.
It also sponsored the Champions for Life program in Aranui, which provided community sports groups with vouchers for players because Anderson said staying active supported mental health.
“For myself personally I am a very positive person and try to project my positivity to my staff and my clients.”
Felicity Brown, MYOB’s head of human resources, said running a business can be rewarding, but increasing pressures can have a significant effect on well-being.
“Given the current economic climate, with the cost of living and rising inflation – coupled with a growing workload – it is understandable that SMEs will feel overwhelmed, leading to increased stress and anxiety. But it is important for entrepreneurs and leaders to remember that they are not alone and support is available.”
Despite the fact that a significant proportion of SME owners or leaders suffer from mental health issues, the survey found that most SMEs did not actively talk about mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Three quarters said they had not spoken to their staff about mental wellbeing and support in the past 12 months, while only a quarter said they had.
Shaun Robinson, CEO of the Mental Health Foundation, said it is understandable that small businesses are feeling the effects of Covid-19 and encouraged them to focus on creating a workplace where mental wellbeing is central.
“You need to communicate and engage with the workforce so that together you can drive change in the workplace,” he said.
“Good mental health for entrepreneurs and staff leads to better engagement, fewer absences and higher productivity, while improving people’s well-being, morale and job satisfaction.”