More than a third of small business operators have revealed they have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, an alarming work health and safety (WHS) survey has revealed.
The 2024 National Business WHS Survey by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), of which CCIWA is a member, revealed 34% of respondents had a mental health condition. 
In another telling sign, the survey also revealed the sentiment from businesses regardless of size was that they were overwhelmed with increasing regulation and constant change.
The 34% result compares to 22% in the 2022 Small Business and Mental Health report and 21.5% of Australians aged 16 to 85 in Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
The survey showed of the 34% diagnosed with mental health issues:
- 23% suffered anxiety;
- 17% suffered depression;
- 15% had a stress related problem; and
- 4% had other mental health conditions
ACCI chief executive officer Andrew McKellar said the survey reveals the human cost by the challenges imposed on small business owners.
“Small business owners are human beings and when they get overwhelmed, they break,” he said.
“These are people who are trying to make a go of it, who are trying to start a business, get ahead and create something for their family and when they run into brick wall after brick wall they get to the point where they struggle to cope.”
The survey presents the perspectives and concerns of a broad cross-section of Australian businesses from ACCI’s member network and beyond.
Small business ‘spiral’
McKellar said the survey results showed a spiral of the increasing costs of doing business, increasing red tape and a lack of support for small business.
“This shows small business is under extreme pressure and the results are a wake-up call, to our policy makers to address the over regulation of our business sector, it should not have to come to this,” he said.
The ACCI 2024 National Business WHS Survey represents the views of small, medium and large businesses, from all Australian states and territories, and across industry sectors. The survey was completed by 324 businesses between August 21 and September 18.
The full results of the survey can be read here.
Want to keep up to-date with the latest business news and advice? Become a CCIWA Member today and get access to exclusive information designed to help you do business better.
