Mental Health Concerns Highlight Growing Pressures on Australian Business Owners

More than one in three Australian business owners (36 per cent) reported having been diagnosed with a mental health condition, according to new research by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). This is up from 30 per cent in 2024.

Of those reporting a diagnosis, 87 per cent said their work was a contributing factor. The most commonly reported diagnoses were:

• anxiety (25 per cent),

• depression (15 per cent) and

• stress-related conditions (11 per cent).

The Growing Cost of Running a Business

ACCI CEO Andrew McKellar attributed the pressures facing business owners to:

• increasing taxes,

• increasing operating costs,

• increasing fees and charges,

• increasing interest rates,

• increasing inflation, and

• growing government regulation.

He said:

"Governments have got to wake up here. Wake up and pay attention to the human toll of over-regulation and the personal cost of squeezing businesses again and again – as a country we've got to draw a line."

His comments highlight concerns about the cumulative impact of government decisions and regulatory requirements on Australian businesses and the people running them.

For many business owners, these pressures come on top of long working hours, financial responsibilities and the demands of managing staff and business operations.

Businesses Want Practical WHS Information

The ACCI's 2026 National Work Health and Safety Survey also found that more than 56 per cent of businesses preferred concise information and fact sheets rather than lengthy Codes of Practice when trying to understand their WHS responsibilities.

Mr McKellar said small businesses wanted practical guidance, not a 100-page manual. Only 23 per cent of businesses said they could easily access specialist assistance with workplace health hazards, such as exposure to chemicals, dust, fumes and excessive noise. These findings highlight the importance of clear, practical WHS information that businesses can understand and apply.

Technology Is Helping Improve Workplace Safety

The survey found that 35 per cent of businesses used technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms to help manage WHS. More than one-third of those businesses reported improved safety outcomes.

Technology can assist with incident reporting, safety records, hazard identification and communicating safety information. However, it does not replace the need for appropriate WHS knowledge and effective management of workplace risks.

Understanding WHS Responsibilities

Workplace health and safety includes both physical and psychosocial hazards. PCBUs, officers and workers need to understand how to identify hazards and manage risks arising from work.

The ACCI findings reinforce the importance of practical WHS knowledge and training.

Courtenell provides workplace health and safety training to help businesses understand their responsibilities and maintain safer workplaces.

Visit www.courtenell.com.au to find out more.