Queensland business owners battling with mental and financial health: Early CCIQ survey data shows

Thursday 15 July, 2021 | By: Emma Clarke

Close to half of Queensland business owners say they or their staff are experiencing mental health issues due to COVID-19 restrictions, lockdowns and impacts on their business.

 

Preliminary findings from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) June quarter Pulse Survey show 45% of businesses surveyed say mental health challenges attributed to COVID-19 stressors impacted their business operations.

 

CCIQ Policy and Advocacy Manager Cherie Josephson said the early data was indicative to the financial and emotional impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on Queensland businesses.

 

“Businesses are telling us increased uncertainty around potential future lockdowns and restrictions as well as a lack of commitment to details of a support package is not only detrimental to their ability to recover and get back to business, but it’s also emotionally challenging,” Ms Josephson said.

 

“One business owner told us business was stressful enough, which undermined by uncertainty, left them feeling vulnerable, helpless and in an unenviable position of which they say they had no control.

 

“Not only is it impacting business owners, but others are reporting they have lost key staff as a result of mental wellbeing which has a significant impact on their business.”

 

Ms Josephson said businesses were desperate for clarity on what support would be on the table should there be another lockdown or other COVID-19 business restrictions.

 

“Any support for business owners’ mental health is welcomed but certainty around financial support is critical,” she said.

 

“As long as business owners are uncertain of what’s around the corner, how their business will be impacted or how they’ll have to adapt and how they will be supported in their recovery, it’s difficult for them plan their recovery which can impact their emotional wellbeing.

 

"Business owners need the details of support that will be available should restrictions continue to impact them so they have certainty in their recovery and journey back to business.”

 

Ms Josephson said CCIQ was calling on clarity and transparency around State Government decision making on lockdowns, restrictions and other business obligations like contact tracing to ensure businesses were best placed to adapt to changes and continue on their path to recovery – both financially and emotionally.

 

“Businesses want to do the right thing because they want to contribute to the wider business sectors’ recovery from COVID-19 impacts,” she said.

 

“But they need to have efficient access to information and details about their obligations and any rules which apply to them to make sure they can not only get back to business themselves but support wider business and consumer confidence.

 

“It’s important businesses are able to share their voice on issues that impact them. See the CCIQ website for details on how to participate in the quarterly Pulse Survey on business sentiment, data we use to advocate on the businesses’ behalf on issues that matter to you.”

 

Early CCIQ June Quarter Pulse Survey findings

  • Close to half of businesses surveyed experienced disruptions to their business activity, turnover or operations due the third lockdown this year.
  • Close to half of those surveyed contributed personal funds to maintain their business.
  • Businesses were operating on average with a 47% reduction on this time last year.
  • Full report data will be released shortly.

If you or someone you know needs help contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

 

CCIQ media contact

Emma Clarke

Media and Communications Advisor

[email protected] | 0403 944 902

Acknowledgement of Country

Business Chamber Queensland respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of the lands from across Queensland and the Torres Strait. We acknowledge the Jagera and Turrbal people as the Traditional Custodians of Meanjin (Brisbane), the lands where our office is located and the place we meet, work and learn. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.