By Alice Ingram, Business Support Specialist

Over the past year, I’ve noticed a change in the conversations I’m having with small business owners. It used to be that we talked mostly about growth plans, new markets, and innovation. Now, often, we end up talking about uncertainty, change, stress, fatigue, and the constant pressure to keep things going. Behind financial figures and performance targets, there are people who are simply exhausted, owners who can’t switch off, teams stretched to their limits, and individuals quietly struggling with anxiety and overwhelm.

As someone who works with a wide range of entrepreneurs and their teams, I can see how mental health challenges are one of the biggest issues facing small businesses today. The pressures of running and growing a business have always been there, but they’ve intensified. The uncertainty of the economy, rising costs, the pace of digital change, and the expectation to be ‘always on’ are taking their toll. For many, the boundaries between work and home have blurred completely. Owners tell me they feel guilty when they take time out, and employees worry about job security or performance.

This isn’t just a personal issue; it’s an economic one. Poor mental health costs UK employers around £51 billion every year, and most of that isn’t from people taking sick days; it’s from people showing up to work but not feeling able to perform at their best. SMEs make up 60% of private-sector employment and more than half of business turnover in the UK, so when small firms are struggling, the ripple effects are huge. It affects productivity, innovation, and ultimately the ability of the enterprise to drive opportunity and social mobility, the very things we need for a thriving economy.

Across the businesses I work with, I’m seeing a few clear trends. Owners are trying to do more with less and working longer hours than ever. Employees are feeling the pressure too, often juggling multiple roles or firefighting constant change. Digital tools, while brilliant for efficiency, have also created new pressures, the need to constantly learn and adapt new techniques and adapt to the AI revolution!  The endless notifications, late-night emails, and the sense that you can never really switch off. It’s leading to burnout, anxiety, and what many people now describe as ‘languishing’ that feeling of being busy but not fulfilled.

The hardest part is that small businesses don’t always have the resources to put in place wellbeing programmes. Yet, in my experience, it’s often the small, human actions that make the biggest difference. Creating time for honest conversations. Setting clear expectations about when it’s okay to switch off. Making sure that people take real holidays. Encouraging leaders to talk openly about their own challenges, because when owners model self-care, it gives permission for others to do the same.

I always say that looking after mental health isn’t separate from running a successful business, it’s part of it. Teams that are well connected and feel supported perform better. People who feel seen and valued are more engaged, more creative, and more loyal. Even simple things like cross training staff, reducing reliance on one individual, or holding short weekly check-ins can build resilience and reduce pressure points.

At RTC North, we work with over 100 practitioners who see these patterns across every sector. We’re helping businesses take practical steps to build stronger, more resilient teams, whether that’s through leadership development, improving work design, or helping owners’ step back and refocus. For many small business leaders, just having someone to talk to, someone who understands both the business and the people side, can make a huge difference.

On World Mental Health Day, I’d encourage every business owner to pause and reflect, how are you really doing? And how is your team doing? The health of your people is the foundation of your growth. If you’re feeling the strain, please don’t wait until it becomes a crisis. Reach out. The RTC North team is here to help, with practical support, trusted advice, and a community of people who care about helping small businesses thrive, not just survive.

Because a dynamic, high-performing economy starts with people who are well, confident, and supported to do their best work.