MENTAL health is a much talked about topic nowadays, with almost half of all people experiencing issues during their lifetime.
And the workplace is no exception.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) recently held an event entitled ‘A Mental Health Check-Up for your Business’.
Coinciding with Queensland Mental Health Week (October 5 – 13, 2024), the event showcased the programs and resources available to business owners and managers, to support mental health and wellbeing.
It also explored tips to identify and better manage stress, burnout, depression, diet and physical health.
The event – held at Whitsunday Green Club, Cannon Valley, on Friday, October 11 – was open to everyone, and was free for Tourism Whitsundays and Chamber members.
Guest speaker Kristy Wilson, from Business Wellness Coaching (BWC), said anxiety, stress and sleep deprivation were three issues she came up against most often, in businesses.
“All businesses are different but anxiety, stress and sleep deprivation come up often,” she said.
“Isolation is another big issue and also relationships, especially when it’s a husband-and-wife business.
“And illness – whether it’s the business owner or a family member – can greatly affect the workplace.”
Ms Wilson said her clients did not have to be in financial difficulties but ‘quite often they are’.
Fellow guest speaker Gus Walsgott, from Small Business Financial Counselling NQ, helps businesses experiencing financial difficulties.
The state government-funded scheme comes at no cost to the client.
“I do a deep dive into a person’s business and identify their pain points and then present options to the owner,” he said.
“Options vary – depending on the issues – but can include solving the problem, closing the business, or trying to get going again.
“I am available to help, as long as the business needs me, and I can refer people to outside experts, if required.”
Mr Walsgott said cashflow and debt were two of the biggest issues he came up against.
“Business owners should make sure they improve their financial literacy,” he said.
About Small Business Financial Counselling North Queensland
The Small Business Financial Counselling Service provides:
Free, impartial and confidential financial counselling and coaching to small businesses (less than 20 employees) in North Queensland.
Financial counselling services are available to businesses to help them plan for the future and pull through adversity, including:
- Understanding finances
- Accessing government assistance
- Identifying risk
- Dealing with debt
- Succession planning
- Business plans.
Help is available in person – both home and workplace visits – and via phone support and online services.
Business wellness coaching is also available from qualified mental health and wellbeing professionals with a background in business.
Visit Free Financial Counselling for Small Business (rfcsnq.com.au)
About Business Wellness Coaching (Free)
Small businesses can sit down with a locally based coach and work through their unique and personal business challenges, needs and opportunities, in a confidential, understanding environment.
A Business Wellness Coach provides one-on-one, customised emotional coaching support to you personally, assisting you to address stress impacts.
This support includes helping you to identify the source of your challenges and strategies to enable you to move forward with your decision-making.
More information at Business Wellness Coaching for Small & Rural Businesses (rfcsnq.com.au).
