Getting through winter has been tough for business owners. Illness has affected staff, suppliers, clients and schools and disrupted businesses and communities throughout the economy.

 

Many businesses are struggling to fill vacancies in the tight labour market. Staff shortages, combined with high rates of illness, put workers and business owners under pressure. When you love your job and always put your clients first, it can be easy to overwork and run the risk of burnout. Here are three ways to take care of yourself and help prevent burnout.

1. Start saying ‘No’

Small business owners are experts in saying ‘Yes!’ and then figuring out the details later. It’s how you grow a small business and build your reputation for being able to solve problems for your clients. If you’re overworked and stressed out, it’s time to start saying ‘No’. Begin by turning down work from difficult clients, or work that’s outside your core business, so you can focus on where you add the most value.

2. Identify at least one area you can outsource

You can’t do everything yourself, particularly if you’re understaffed. Look at your processes and try to identify an area that’s not part of your core business and see if you can outsource it. It might be social media posts, office cleaning, or even subscribing to a meal kit service to take the stress out of cooking. These initiatives usually pay for themselves as you’ll be more productive if you’re not stressed.

3. Hold onto your interests outside work

Running a business can be all-consuming, but try to hang onto your friends, sports, and hobbies, even when it gets busy. Letting your relationships, health, and pastimes dwindle will undermine your emotional, physical, and mental health.

Not sure if outsourcing tasks will pay for itself? We can work with you to analyse the costs and benefits of any business investment. Get in touch; we’d love to hear from you.