From workloads to wellbeing, the COVID-19 pandemic poses many challenges.
As a small business owner or manager, it’s important to keep an eye on your stress levels. Learn to spot warning signs and pick up tips to improve your wellbeing. Your health and happiness — and your business — will benefit.
No matter how COVID-19 has affected your business, good and bad, it poses a mental wellbeing challenge. Operating in uncertain times is stressful — even if you relish change and new ways of doing things.
For many, there’s the added financial stress of reduced or uncertain earnings. And some business people face cutting jobs or closing altogether. This takes an emotional toll, and takes away social connections forged at work.
“We’ve had to change the way we do things. COVID-19 has challenged our sense of how the world works, how our careers go, how our relationships go,” says Lisa Ducat, workplace wellbeing specialist at Mental Health Foundation.
“It’s been a full-on impact on the three areas that keep us well: feeling good, functioning well, feeling connected to others.”
When it comes to wellbeing checks, you might be focused on your staff and loved ones outside work. But it’s equally important to check on yourself.
It’s common for small business owners to wear many hats, to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities, to work long hours. Even if you’re used to doing this and doing it well, it’s harder in uncertain times. Even before the pandemic hit, 80% of business owners reported feeling isolated in a survey by Business Mentors New Zealand. All this adds to stress.
“Business owners are used to seeking business-orientated support from an accountant or IT expert. You get support to keep business going,” says Ducat. “Remember you are the business. Your health and wellbeing are your business’s biggest resource.”
On a scale from minor impact to major, most people will be somewhere in the middle, says Ducat. Most will benefit from “psychological first aid” to ease stress before it escalates to burnout. This might mean adding exercise or fresh air to your day, problem-solving with others, or connecting with people you care about. If you are suffering from extreme stress, seek professional help.
Ducat recommends making space to reflect. And she warns against “toxic positivity” — feeling forced to only talk about the positive and resisting negative or difficult experiences.
“Our feelings are our feelings. They give you important information,” says Ducat. “Ignoring feelings you don’t like may hinder problem solving. Toxic positivity will also stop others from feeling safe talking to you about what they are struggling with.”
Instead, consider the pros and cons of what you’re going through. “This might be saying to yourself ‘yes it’s difficult AND I’m upset AND I got through it’,” says Ducat.
“It’s a balancing act. Knowing it’s awful. Knowing we have limited control. Recognising you managed to shift your business operations and lifestyle at short notice. Thinking about new possibilities now life isn’t going how you thought it would.”
Workplace wellbeing during COVID-19(external link) — Mental Health Foundation
Warning signs may include:
Are you experiencing any of those warning signs now? Or have you noticed warning signs recently? If yes — or if you think it’s possible — it’s time to take steps to ease stress and prevent burnout.
The Mental Health Foundation defines burnout as exhaustion (emotional and physical) + cynicism + reduced sense of accomplishment (low morale, self-esteem, lower coping ability).
Learn the signs of stress. Think about when you notice stress in yourself — what are your personal warning signs?
What helps ease your stress? If you’re not sure where to start, try these suggestions:
“Don’t think of one huge problem. Break it down. If you can solve one of these problems, that will help reduce your stress,” says Ducat. Recognise the small goals you achieve, rather than focusing on the next one you haven’t started.
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“Just step back and go ‘I am angry’ or ‘I am upset’,” says Ducat. “And then think about how you can positively deal with those feelings.”
If you have questions about government financial support or business help, call the COVID-19 Business Helpline: North Island 0800 500 362 or South Island 0800 505 096.
If you feel a bit overwhelmed, anxious or just want to talk, free services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Helplines(external link) — Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation’s website has a range of tips and worksheets to reduce stress. Some help you spot the signs of stress, others help you identify what you need to stay well.
Minimising and managing workplace stress(external link) — Mental Health Foundation
Ways to wellbeing(external link) — Mental Health Foundation
Also check out Kiwi Business Boost. This business.govt.nz tool helps you find information and support tailored to your needs. Pick the health and wellbeing focus for advice on feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
Kiwi Business Boost(external link)
Wellbeing webinars and online courses(external link) — Kiwi Business Boost
For help bringing your business through uncertain times, explore other focus areas of Boost and the tools and resources across the business.govt.nz website. You’ll find:
Click the “related content” tab for a few examples.
Also check out the tools on the Resilient Organisations website.
COVID-19 business resilience resources(external link) — Resilient Organisations