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Leading well: Why small businesses leaders need to prioritise their own mental health

Bupa's Academy vodcast is set to take place on Thursday 12 June 2025, at 10am

It's not just large companies which sometimes struggle with mental health issues among their staff.

It's just as vital for SMEs to ensure that those who lead them and work for them have access to the support and help they need. Which is why we're inviting you to join our free academy Vodcast focusing on mental health and SMEs.

A recent study by Mental Health UK shows that around four in five SME owners (80%) report experiencing poor mental health at least a few times a year.  And yet, just under half of those surveyed (44%) have never accessed mental health support during their lives.  

Inability to focus (66%) emerged as a common symptom reported by SME owners, along with anxiety (64%) and disrupted sleep (65%).  
There is a risk that small business owners’ mental health could worsen without proper support. This is a personal concern and a business risk, which could threaten the growth of small businesses.

Prioritising wellbeing however can have the opposite effect, leading to better leadership, stronger teams, and more resilient businesses. 

Investing in mental health is also increasingly being recognised as a smart business decision. Mental health interventions can lead to reduced absenteeism, presenteeism and staff turnover. By looking after their own mental health, SME owners can foster a culture, from the top down, where employees are encouraged to have open conversations about mental health and where they feel valued, understood and supported.

To help small businesses prioritise mental health, we are hosting an exclusive vodcast event that puts mental health at the forefront of business strategy. 

Watch: Our new Academy vodcast on Thursday 12 June at 10am

This vodcast features an in-depth conversation with entrepreneur Dom McGregor, who brings a fresh perspective on the mental health challenges faced by business leaders today. He is joined by Gerard O’Hare, legal director at WorkNest, who will discuss the legal and organisational implications of mental health in the workplace, and Naveen Puri, medical director at Bupa UK Insurance, who will offer expert medical insights and practical advice.

Together, they’ll explore:
•    Why mental health is a business-critical issue for SME leaders;
•    The hidden risks of unhealthy coping mechanisms, how to spot them and how to replace them with healthier coping strategies; and
•    Practical steps to help SME owners prioritise and support their mental health and that of their teams.

Register to attend 
Once you have submitted your details you will receive an automated calendar invite. 

On the day, you can watch the exclusive, extended version of our vodcast, which is packed with insights, by opening this link. If you have any problems, please contact rsvp@bupa.com.

Register now 
Building healthy and sustainable businesses has to start with the wellbeing of those who lead them. So you really shouldn't miss this unique opportunity to discover just why prioritising metal health makes perfect sense for everyone. No matter what size your business might be, you really should sign up for our exclusive academy Vodcast today.