Small Business Wellness: Your Stress-Busting Tips for Success

Checklist:

• Are long hours spent meeting deadlines resulting in fatigue and anxiety for you?
  
  
• Do your client or customer requests for quick turnarounds, enquiries or general business demands like admin leave you feeling overwhelmed?
  
  
• Does the fear of making mistakes contribute to added pressure in your work?
  
  
• Do you experience burnout symptoms such as persistent fatigue, negative attitudes towards your business, and diminished efficiency?
  
  
• Is your immune system compromised during high-stress periods?
  
  
• Are you experiencing a decline in motivation and challenges in maintaining focus, impacting overall performance?

Handling Stress as a Business Owner

Answering yes to any of the questions above could indicate a decline to your physical and/or mental health. Fortunately, with some proactive strategies, you can address this and effectively manage stress levels while still performing at your best:

• Recognise early warning signs

Physical signs like headaches or stomach issues and emotional signs like irritability or anxiety may indicate rising stress levels. Take a break or talk to someone early on before stress escalates.

• Identify Your Stress Triggers

Pay attention to situations that cause you the most anxiety like client interactions, number crunching, or reviewing complex reports. Once you know your triggers, you can develop coping mechanisms tailored to those stressors.

• Don't overcommit yourself

Be selective about taking on additional work. Prioritise essential tasks only if you're overwhelmed. For managing your workload, use calendars and task lists to assign priorities and schedule focused work blocks. Batch similar tasks to maximise efficiency. Take Regular Breaks Schedule short breaks throughout the day to step away from your desk, stretch your legs, or clear your mind. Consider a quick meditation, breathing exercise, or taking a short walk outside.

• Do activities that you enjoy

Allocate time for leisure activities, social connections, physical activity, healthy eating habits, and sufficient rest. Numerous research studies have demonstrated the stress-relieving advantages of exercise. It doesn't need to be intense; even a 30-minute walk 3 to 5 times per week can suffice. Incorporating relaxation practices like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation into your routine, even for just a few minutes each day, can aid in stress management. Aim for balance rather than letting work consume your life.

• Set boundaries

Set a limit for how many hours you will work each day and then stick to it. If this is not always possible, be intentional about how you will carve out time to balance out the workweek or how you’ll spend your time outside of work more meaningfully.

• Lean on Your Support System

Vent to close friends and family who can sympathise and help put things in perspective. Seek mentors in the field who can offer wisdom and advice. Surround yourself with positive people who build you up.

Helping Your Employees Cope with Stress

Irrespective of whether stress among your employees stems from work-related factors or personal issues, there are measures you can take as an employer to offer assistance.

• Express genuine concern for your employees' well-being

Even small acts like checking in on them can have a significant impact. Demonstrating genuine concern for your employees' well-being is crucial for cultivating a supportive and thriving workplace culture. By showing empathy and actively listening to their needs, you build trust and strengthen employee engagement. Recognising and addressing their personal and professional challenges fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty. When employees feel valued and cared for, they are more likely to be motivated, productive, and committed to achieving organisational success.

• Promote the importance of taking breaks

Just a 10-minute pause from a tense situation to enjoy some fresh air can be immensely beneficial. Encouraging regular breaks throughout the workday allows employees to recharge, reduce stress, and maintain focus. Breaks also promote physical health by reducing the risks associated with prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks.

• Provide flexibility

Offering options such as flexible work hours, remote work, and adjusted schedules allows employees to better balance their personal and professional lives. Flexibility enables employees to better manage their time, reduce stress, and enhance job satisfaction.

• Collaborate on prioritising tasks

Identify which tasks can be deferred versus those that demand immediate attention and establish feasible deadlines together.

• Ensure clarity regarding roles and expectations

When employees know exactly what is expected of them and understand their role within the organisation, they can work more effectively and confidently. Clear communication about responsibilities, goals, and performance standards helps employees feel supported and empowered, ultimately leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity.

• Monitor the number of hours employees are working.

If someone appears to be overworking, reassess workloads and encourage them to take time off for rejuvenation.

• Invest in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

An EAP provides confidential counselling, resources, and support services to employees facing personal or work-related challenges. By offering access to trained professionals and assistance with a range of issues such as stress, anxiety, and work-life balance, employers demonstrate a commitment to their employees' holistic health. An EAP can also help mitigate absenteeism, improve morale, and increase productivity by addressing underlying concerns that may impact job performance.

The good news both owners and employees can take proactive steps to better manage stress. By being proactive and putting your needs first, you can keep stress under control - even during busy season. The key is being intentional about boundaries, self-care, and wellness.

Developing healthy work habits around diet, exercise, sleep and work-life balance goes a long way. Beyond individual efforts, leaders also have an opportunity to build more supportive, humane team cultures focused on sustainability.