Owning and running a franchise brand is hard work. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. But does hard work need to come with a health warning? All too often, we hear stories of business owners burning out or developing mental health problems as a result of pressure, stress and the need to make those all-important sales.
Is mental health or business success a binary choice? Frank Milner, president of global tutoring franchise, Tutor Doctor, believes passionately that the two are not mutually exclusive.
Here, Frank breaks down the rife but unspoken notion that business owners need to sacrifice their mental health for business success. He discusses how franchising in particular can make the world of difference to your mental wellbeing when compared to starting out independently.
The widely held belief that business owners must work around the clock to achieve success has been deeply ingrained – but is it true? I believe that this mindset only results in burnout, which will not only damage your personal wellbeing but the success of your business too.
A 2022 survey revealed that the effects of burnout could be costing businesses in the UK more than £700m per year1, highlighting how damaging to your business sacrificing your mental health can be. Whether it’s burnout or chronic stress from the pressures of running operations, neglecting your mental health can lead to decreased focus, impaired decision-making and a lower level of customer service, ultimately reducing productivity and profitability. For independent business owners, feelings of isolation can further intensify the negative effects of neglecting your mental health.
So, how do business owners take care of their mental wellbeing? Thankfully, there are some simple steps to get started.
Start by carving out time for the activities you enjoy, even if your schedule is busy. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time, like turning off your phone or not checking your emails between certain hours. It’s important to recognise what stresses you out and develop coping mechanisms accordingly. Focus on what you can control and remember to not be too hard on yourself – it’s completely normal to not feel yourself from time to time.
Most importantly, don’t hesitate to seek help or build up a support system around you. This is where a business model like franchising, can make a world of difference.
Franchising provides a built-in support structure that can help take some of the weight off your shoulders. With established systems, brand recognition and a proven business model, you can avoid the uncertainty that often comes with starting a business on your own. Many franchise networks also provide strategies to help you improve your work-life balance, so you’re not constantly on the clock – giving you vital time to have a break.
Ongoing training and mentorship from the franchisor can equip you with the tools to handle challenges. At Tutor Doctor, we continue to remind our franchisees and wider team of driving the ‘five’ – nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management and human connection – as a way to check-in on ourselves and prioritise our own mental wellbeing. When you combine this with the overall benefits of being part of a network of fellow franchisees, head office teams and your own employees, there’s always someone to turn to for advice and support.
Therefore, it’s clear that business success and mental wellbeing don’t have to be at odds as a business owner – in fact, they complement each other. Those who take the time to prioritise their mental wellbeing tend to be more creative, better problem solvers and generally more productive, all of which boosts business success. Taking time out gives you the chance to reflect on your business, helping you spot areas for improvement while also giving you the time to recharge and re-energise. Long-term business success, after all, relies on sustainable working habits. Continuously overworking leads to burnout, which is unsustainable. A more balanced work environment is not only essential for your own mental health as an entrepreneur but also for fostering a healthy and productive team.
So, to summarise, you don’t need to sacrifice your mental health to make those all-important sales. By prioritising your wellbeing, you can build a more resilient, productive and creative business. Franchising offers a unique opportunity to achieve this balance, with the support and structures to help you succeed. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business, and in the long run, both will thrive when given the attention they deserve.
1 MetLife, Burnout & the UK workforce survey, 2022
