In February, Jen Chapman-Boffin, founder of mental fitness trainer, Cinder, launched a nationwide survey to spark honest conversations about mental health in franchising and uncover how wellbeing is really being supported across the sector. The goal was simple: to gather real insights, highlight the challenges, and identify where change is already beginning.
Results have shown the importance of wellbeing to business success. Yet alongside this progress comes the reality that only 13.4% of franchisors provide external wellbeing training, and fewer than 20% have a formal wellbeing policy in place. This suggests that while support exists, it isn’t always consistent or embedded.
Many franchisors are beginning to recognise the urgency of the issue though and are stepping forward to lead the change. And there’s a growing awareness that supporting mental wellbeing isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also key to long-term success, retention, and business resilience.
Though 1 in 5 franchisors and franchisees are already having one-to-one conversations about mental health franchisees are feeling the pressure. While the franchise model rightly promotes independence and entrepreneurship, that autonomy can come at the cost of isolation. Ultimately, loneliness is a significant concern, according to the survey, with 75% of respondents experiencing it and 40% feeling lonely at least once a month. This widespread experience underscores the urgent need for more robust mental health and wellbeing support.
Almost half of franchisees believe that franchisors genuinely care about their wellbeing. While franchisors are clearly eager to help, 44% admit that other business priorities sometimes take precedence over wellbeing initiatives. Many recognise that they could, and should, be doing more – showing a strong commitment to moving from awareness to meaningful action.
“It’s encouraging to see how much mental health awareness has grown in franchising. The overwhelming recognition that wellbeing affects business performance is a huge step forward. But awareness alone isn’t enough. The data shows we need to move beyond good intentions to practical, structured support that reaches every franchisor and franchisee,” explained Jen Chapman-Boffin.
“Mental health isn’t a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential for sustainable success. The franchise industry has the potential to lead the way by prioritising wellbeing and creating a culture where no one has to face these challenges alone,” she added.
The industry’s readiness for change is clear: only 17% of franchisees and 24% of franchisors believe enough is currently being done to support mental health. It also serves as a call to arms for franchisors and franchisees to come together and build a more open, supportive, and resilient sector.
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