
Handling stress as a business leader
September 27, 2024
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John Maxwell
3 in 5 SME owners are stressed. 50% have anxiety and 1 in 3 suffer with depression.
That’s no surprise in an economic and social landscape where SME owners are increasingly shouldering more responsibility. Now, with the Labour Government introducing over 60 new HR and employment law pledges, this pressure is only going to intensify.
Remember, you’re not alone. Tercus HR has been working alongside businesses like yours for a decade — we know these challenges well and have ready solutions.
Handling new employment law changes
Labour’s new employment laws are on the horizon, bringing significant changes that could feel like a setback for many SMEs. The 100-day pledge means you have until 25th October 2024, to update policies, contracts and procedures.
These changes may seem daunting and stressful. From statutory sick pay to mandatory harassment policies, the compliance requirements will add financial pressure and an administrative burden.
But there’s good news. We’ve been through big changes like this before, and we’re here to make it easier for you.
Coping with change
The Labour Government’s 60 new pledges require immediate action from SMEs. These changes are daunting, and adapting to them can be monumental. Change exhaustion is real and it’s affecting leaders like you. 70% of change programmes fail to achieve their goals, often due to employee resistance and inadequate management support.
Why is this happening? Because change is draining on resources and energy. Not only do you need to stay on top of compliance, but you also need to modify your entire HR infrastructure—from contracts and policies to your day-to-day operations. It’s easy to feel as though you’re barely keeping your head above water.
Managing people during these periods of adjustment can be gruelling. Adapting to new laws can strain even the most efficient teams. When employees are unsure about new procedures, it affects morale, productivity and overall business health.
On top of that, let’s not forget the other stressors you already face. Administrative burdens like taxes, payroll and general HR compliance can take up to 16 hours a week. Combined with the financial pressure of an unstable economy, stretched budgets, client satisfaction and the challenges of managing personal life, it’s no wonder so many SME owners are feeling overwhelmed.
Stress can cause impaired decision-making, negatively impact team morale and can sometimes trigger mental and physical issues. You’ve got to manage it somehow.
Getting down to business
Tercus HR is here to help. What you do in your personal life is your own business. But we’re here to help you get the HR basics right. We can take the complexity out of employment law changes and ensure your HR infrastructure works for you — not the other way around.
But that’s not all we do.
For businesses in general, we make life easier by getting the HR basics right. We de-mystify HR and employment law, so your HR administration, infrastructure and policies work for you.
For employers, we help you hire the right people and cut through the fear of managing the liabilities they bring — whether it’s employee relations, TUPE or handling tribunals.
For leaders and managers, we develop innovative HR strategies. If you feel like you’re treading on eggshells, our coaching will give you the confidence and know-how to tackle HR head-on — fearlessly.
We’re also Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) experts. We help shape policies that make your company a place people want to work—a business that’s safe from criticism for unethical, philanthropic, or environmental practices.
Tercus HR – your trusted partner
“No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it.” – Andrew Carnegie
Great leaders don’t go it alone. They surround themselves with people who help them navigate rough waters.
At Tercus HR, we don’t just solve problems; we empower you to lead with confidence and clarity. We’re on your side, every step of the way.
Let’s turn those stressors into strengths, and those challenges into opportunities.