If you’ve ever worked for a start-up, you’ll know that it’s quite the ride. Passionate founder, sometimes plus wing-person, working hard to build the business and grow a team where everyone pitches in. Minimal infrastructure, make-it-up-as-you-go along systems and the freedom to do things any way you like. It’s intense, fun and great if you’re looking for rapid professional growth and a wide-ranging, ever-changing role.
As the business grows, roles take shape and become more defined, but there’s still no room for passengers, everyone has to pull their weight. Working for a small business you feel like you’re part of something; you’re important because the team is small and everyone knows everyone so there’s less of that ‘cog in a wheel’ feeling you sometimes get in larger organisations.
Helping everyone stay productive
Exciting and rewarding? Yes, definitely. But how can smaller businesses support their employees’ mental wellbeing? There’s no HR department to turn to if you’re struggling, benefits may be limited, and the work can be demanding. There’s also no-one to pick up the slack if you need a break. You might be witnessing the start of something great, but there is less security and little infrastructure if you need support.
From the employer’s perspective, they need every member of the team in good shape and at their most productive. They probably don’t have the time, and may not have the skills, to monitor and manage the mental wellbeing of all their employees, and this becomes even more difficult as the team grows.
We need small businesses to thrive because they are the future wealth and job-creators: we need entrepreneurs to succeed.
Create a culture where mental wellbeing is a clear priority
Partnering with Clerestory Counselling helps to create a culture where mental wellbeing is a clear priority. We’re proactive, in regular contact with your team to ask them to check in with themselves and to suggest ways they can monitor and manage their mental wellbeing. And if they are really struggling we can provide rapid access to therapeutic support. It’s one less thing for ambitious entrepreneurs to worry about, so they can focus on growing their business.