The Mental Health Foundation and Xero have released the 2019 Small Business Wellbeing Report. The report, (which can be downloaded below) looks at the day-to-day stressors many small business owners face, and their attitudes towards wellbeing. It includes advice on how leaders can manage staff wellbeing and support their teams with a positive work environment.

“The 2019 Small Business Wellbeing Report highlights a massive opportunity for New Zealand’s small business sector to take the lead to support and improve the mental wellbeing of the 600,000 New Zealanders they employ.” Shaun Robinson, Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive says.

“If you’re running a small business, improving your wellbeing and that of your employees can feel daunting. This report will show you that you’re not alone in this, and there are a range of positive things other SMEs are already doing to improve mental wellbeing you can learn from and adapt for your business.”

The report found most small business leaders lack a holistic understanding of what wellbeing is and are often failing to lead wellbeing initiatives. Mr Robinson says “There is massive scope for New Zealand’s small business sector to take a leadership role in directly supporting and improving the mental wellbeing of the New Zealanders they employ – let alone the impact this would have on their friends, family and communities.”