Primaflow F&P explores how small business owners, including builders and plumbers’ merchants, can start the mental health conversation with employees, colleagues or other contacts.
Independent merchants are usually operated by a very small group of individuals, which can often result in people working alone. Hence, small business owners and workers can often suffer from social isolation and loneliness which are associated with increased risk of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and stress.
Many of the smaller independent merchants will be run by the owner, and the success of their business will have an impact on their livelihood, in an industry that is often price driven. This can therefore also play a part in mental health issues.
Head of Workplace Wellbeing for Mind, Emma Mamo, says: “Commonly cited causes of stress and poor mental health at work include things like long working hours, lack of support from colleagues and managers and excessive workload.”
However, these challenges are not only experienced by small independent merchants, as many engineers, plumbers and installers, also often work in isolated conditions. In addition, the trades are male-dominated, which has its own challenges when it comes to reaching out for help.
A survey by independent provider of behavioural care Priory, found that of the 1,000 male respondents, 40% of men won’t talk to anyone about their mental health. When asked about the biggest causes of pressure in their life, work-related pressure came top of the list at 32%, followed by financial pressures at 31%.
Stress can stop people from performing at their best, and therefore results in lower productivity and concentration levels and increased absence from work. Thus, recognising and managing the signs of stress and mental ill health is a good place to begin.
Start the conversation
For those working with even small teams, introducing an open door policy may encourage staff to come forward and discuss their feelings, but it’s much better to reach out to the workforce and find out how they are really doing. Just putting five minutes aside to ask how their weekend was, or offering a favour, can positively contribute to social relationships and wellbeing.
Research has long supported the fact that having strong social bonds strengthens people’s mental health, and reduces the risk of depression. Hence, for those who work alone most of the time, face-to-face interaction is key to combat the effects of loneliness.
Commenting on how small business owners can encourage others to discuss mental health at work, Emma Mamo, says: “We need to create spaces where employees feel comfortable to talk about their problems, through weekly catch ups, or reflective sessions. If these can’t be done face to face, try video calls, using software like Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams.”
Make connections
With more than 385,000 people self-employed in the wholesale and retail sector[4] in the UK last year, there’s a great opportunity to build connections with other small businesses in your area and discuss the challenges you are facing with someone who is likely to understand what you’re going through.
Join local support groups or consider setting up in a coworking space, such as WeWork. In a recent survey of 4,000 working adults in France, Germany, the UK, and the U.S. – conducted by WeWork in partnership with global market research firm Ipsos – nearly 70% of those who describe themselves as satisfied with their job said they collaborate with people outside of their office at least once or twice a week.
Stay organised
As a small business owner it’s natural to sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the tasks you must tackle. Prioritising and delegating tasks, where possible, is an important factor in that process. Keeping organised with to do lists and scheduling tools will help you achieve goals in both the short and long term.
Getting the work-life balance right
Being self-employed or working for a small business can make it difficult to switch off from work but creating clear boundaries between work and home will help. For those still going into work, try and use your time on your commute to unwind – listen to a podcast or music, or if you take public transport, read a book.
Whereas, for those working from home, it can be easy to work well into the evenings. Emma Mamo says: “Try to work reasonable hours and be strict about when you switch off from things like work emails and phone calls.
“If possible, work in a different part of your home to where you relax. Do something when you finish work to break up your work from leisure time, such as go for a walk outside.”
Keep active
Exercise not only has a positive impact on our physical health, but it can also increase our self-esteem. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which triggers a positive feeling, improving sleep and reducing stress.
Incorporating regular physical activity doesn’t have to be particularly intense – it could be stretching before you start work, taking the stairs instead of the lift or going for a walk at lunchtime
Get enough sleep
Most adults need between six and nine hours of sleep every night. By working out what time you need to wake up, you can set a regular bedtime schedule.
It is also important to try and wake up at the same time every day. While it may seem like a good idea to try to catch up on sleep after a bad night, doing so on a regular basis can also disrupt your sleep routine, and affect your work structure.
Eat healthily
“The right foods can help your concentration and help you feel well generally. Try to get a good mix of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as slow-release energy foods like protein foods, nuts and seeds, oats and wholegrains,” says Emma Mamo.
Ask for help
Some people are afraid or feel ashamed to express their feelings and ask for support. The first stage is acknowledging that you need help, and then working out what you need help with.
Offering support groups and information on mental health in staff newsletters, notice boards or even group chats can help open the conversation for employees who are struggling.
The charity Mind provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem and also works to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health issues. For more information on mental health at work, visit: mind.org.uk/work
