Running a business in New Zealand is rewarding, but it can also be relentless. Long hours, financial pressure, staffing challenges and regulatory changes mean many SME owners carry not just the business on their shoulders, but also the weight of their own stress and uncertainty.
We often talk about resilience in business—less often about resilience in business owners. Yet the two are inseparable. A healthy, well-supported owner makes better decisions, communicates more clearly with staff, and is better placed to manage setbacks. Ignoring your wellbeing can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and costly mistakes.
The common pressure points for business owners today:
- Cashflow uncertainty and rising operational costs
- Talent shortages and managing team expectations
- Adapting to digital change and compliance demands
- The loneliness of leadership—feeling like you can’t share the load
As accountants, we often see the stress before anyone else does: the late-night emails, the worry over meeting tax deadlines, the struggle to balance payroll with personal commitments. It’s a reminder that financial health and personal health go hand in hand.
So, what can you do?
- Acknowledge the load. Being honest about stress is the first step to addressing it.
- Build a trusted circle. This might be your accountant, a mentor, or a peer network. Sharing challenges helps reduce the isolation.
- Take small, practical steps. Whether that’s delegating routine tasks, setting aside time for exercise, or using advisory support, incremental changes make a real difference.
Your business needs you at your best. Investing in your wellbeing is not an indulgence—it’s a business strategy.
If something is troubling you, let’s chat. Often we can help prioritise things such as payments, help you work out a payment plan, or just have a honest chat about financials.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some NZ-based supports:
