A damning new report from Localsearch – the marketing solution for small businesses – reveals 69% of Australian small business owners do not believe there are sufficient mental health resources available. A further 72% do not feel supported as a small business owner.
The news forms the first iteration of Localsearch’s annual State of Small Business Report for 2024, shedding light on small business owners’ mental health and wellbeing, the wider mental health landscape in the SMB space and challenges impacting people working in a small business.
However, small business owners are taking their employees’ mental health seriously by introducing supportive measures. Two in five (39%) have implemented mental health leave days; 39% have created on-site break rooms; 11% have developed mental health action plans and 9% provide access to a mental health support partner.
Ed Ross, co-founder of TradeMutt, knows this harsh reality all too well and created his business with the aim of improving blue collar mental health and promoting the benefits of being vulnerable.
“This report paints a tough picture for small business owners, and it’s clear many people feel there aren’t enough mental health resources out there. The truth is, there are countell resources available, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start and navigating these resources can be time consuming.
“Ideally, no one should reach a point of burnout before they find the right support. On top of that, getting smart about prioritisation, using technology, or bringing in some extra hands can go a long way in easing the load and stopping that feeling of overwhelm before it hits.”
Heartbreakingly, the report also found more than two thirds (67%) of small business owners have considered walking away from their business suggesting that sometimes it feels all too much.
Adam Hargraves, CEO of Localsearch, said: “Small business owners are the backbone of our economy, but they’re facing immense challenges that go beyond just balancing the books. The mental health strain on these individuals is clear, and it’s a problem that demands immediate attention.
“At Localsearch, we’re committed to not only providing practical tools to help businesses thrive but also advocating for stronger support systems to ensure the wellbeing of the people behind those businesses. No business should have to sacrifice mental health to stay afloat.”
Localsearch handles all of the details so that small business owners don’t have to. Easing some of the pressures and stress points that they encounter day to day so that they can focus on their business.