There’s no doubt about it, being a leader, especially of a startup or SME, can be stressful and pressured, feeling we have to wear all the hats and work all the hours, but prolonged periods of stress and pressure is not good for our body, mind, or spirit.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, new research from BT has uncovered widespread anxiety among business leaders about the pace of technological change in the workplace.

According to MHFA England, poor mental health accounts for over half (51%) of workplace related illness. Research by Deloitte also shows that poor mental health costs UK employers up to £56 billion annually.

In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, it's crucial to address the stresses of modern life, particularly those stemming from the workplace.

ULTRA VC, an impact-focused EU startup accelerator and early-stage investor, has surveyed startup founders aged 18 to 60+ on how they maintain work-life balance enroute to success.

New research from recruitment company Robert Walters has found that despite 48% of the companies surveyed stating they have clear, business-wide sustainability goals – efforts still seem to be falling short.  

This week is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (29 April – 5 May). The arrival of a child is undoubtedly a very happy and special time, but it can also be incredibly daunting and stressful, particularly for those who are planning their return to work after parental leave.

New data suggests that more than one in three overworked Brits now feel that their workload is unmanageable, signalling a burgeoning mental health crisis in the UK workforce.

High-functioning anxiety is a broad term for those who live with generalised anxiety disorder but identify as functioning reasonably well and, in some cases, extremely well. It is often overlooked due to its subtle presentation.

Neurodiversity is a term that refers to the diversity of the human brain and how it functions. The term neurodivergent includes individuals who have; ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette’s Syndrome, OCD, Misophonia and more.

As you grow your business, wouldn't it be great to think there was a way to extend your life, freeing time to appreciate your accomplishments or lengthen your legacy runway? Imagine having an additional fifty years, or even a century, perhaps.

Balancing life as a globally competitive triathlete with a media career and a new addition to the family was as exhilarating as it was challenging. This juggling act honed my skills in time management and prioritisation, laying the groundwork for my venture into the startup world.

Ever walked into your new job on your first day, and instead of just receiving passwords, paperwork, and calendar invites, you're greeted with a comfy company hoodie, t-shirt, or a slick embroidered cap?

As we navigate the evolving landscape of work, specialists in workplace design and strategy have identified the leading characteristics of office spaces for 2024.

Let’s face it, stress is part of life. No matter what stage of life we are in, it is human nature to carry some stress with us. How many times have you said or heard the words “I am stressed today” or something similar?

For me, it’s personal. As a parent of a severely dyslexic son, time and again I have experienced services, notably in education, that were actively resistant to the potential of technology. To give a very small example as an illustration, my son’s school wouldn’t let him use his mobile phone in the classroom. Instead of allowing him to photograph the white board, say, to capture the homework task, they opted to pay for a teaching assistant to be in class to take notes for dyslexic learners. Technology could have empowered learners and nurtured skills for independence. Instead, it was resisted, and students’ needs were stigmatised.

Pretty much everyone will have mental health challenges at some point in their life - however, not everyone has access to mental healthcare. There simply aren’t enough therapists to go around. Even among those with access, finding your way to the right services for your needs at the right moment is a ‘friction-full’ experience. It is a frustrating process for many and is often overly complex. In the private domain, it’s likely to involve a stress-provoking search through therapist websites. Friends call me to ask how to do it. Or have me do it for them. It’s a very messy terrain for people who aren’t familiar with how it works.

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which provides a great opportunity to notice and celebrate the many gifts that come with having ADHD and dyslexia.

In the dynamic landscape of startup businesses, mastering the art of transforming ambitious goals into tangible realities is not just advantageous—it’s essential for survival and growth.

Creating a calm office environment isn't just about aesthetics; it's a strategic move that reduces stress, supports mental health, and boosts overall employee satisfaction and productivity.