Owning a small business can be extremely demanding, with many different sources of stress. It often involves taking on a great deal of day-to-day responsibility, which can add up quickly, while unforeseen challenges from rising interest rates to supply-chain mishaps also have their impacts. Juggling multiple issues can be intense, which can have a knock-on effect on a person’s wellbeing.
If you’re a counsellor, it can be helpful to understand the types of issues your clients might face if they own a small business. Here are some things to consider.
Financial uncertainty
There’s no denying that running a small to midsize enterprise (SME) means you’re vulnerable to financial uncertainty. Fluctuating revenues, tight cash flows and added pressure to secure funding can cause anxiety and stress.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, there’s a clear link between financial strain and poor mental health. Financial counselling can help clients improve their business management and better cope with the demands of the job as a result. If you are considering offering financial advice, you may find it prudent to check whether you have the appropriate level of specialist counsellor’s insurance to suit the sensitive nature of such advice.
Work-life balance
Work-life balance can be hard to achieve, especially in the early stages of operating a small enterprise. You often need to commit to long hours and additional tasks such as marketing, handling taxes and other details.
If someone is on the verge of burnout, it means they’re physically and mentally exhausted. This can take its toll on other aspects of a person’s life, such as their relationships and overall wellbeing. As a counsellor, you can help clients strike a healthy balance by giving guidance on how to integrate self-care into a busy routine. Learning how to delegate is a big part of this.
Employee relations
Managing employees is an important part of growing an SME. Hiring the right staff and looking after them, while also taking care of your own wellbeing, can be difficult on an ongoing basis. Recruiting and conflict resolution can make managing staff feel like a job in itself.
A counsellor can provide practical tips on how to handle these responsibilities, giving the client advice on how to improve their communication and leadership skills.
Coping with isolation
Often, running a small business can feel lonely, as not having someone who’s going through the same struggles as you can be challenging. It can cause someone to feel isolated or experience other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Counselling can be invaluable to help resolve these issues – it creates an outlet for people to get matters off their chest that those around them may not understand. By creating a safe space for your clients, you can encourage them to share issues and seek sound guidance or emotional support.