Top 5 Wellbeing Challenges SMEs Face (And How to Overcome Them)

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in driving economies forward, especially in countries like Australia and New Zealand.

But let’s be honest—between tight budgets, looming deadlines and the constant juggling of responsibilities, prioritising workplace wellbeing often takes a backseat.

The irony? A thriving, healthy team is the secret ingredient to long-term success.

In this blog, we’ll break down the top five wellbeing challenges SMEs face and share actionable tips to tackle them head-on. Ready to create a happier, healthier workplace? Read on to find out how!

1. Limited Resources

Running an SME often means wearing many hats and working with a tight budget, so rolling out large-scale wellbeing programs can feel out of reach.

Unlike big corporations with dedicated HR teams and hefty wellbeing budgets, you might only have a handful of people keeping operations running—making wellbeing feel like an extra, not a priority.

How to Overcome It

Supporting your employees wellbeing doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Start small with simple, budget-friendly ideas like encouraging regular breaks, promoting physical activity or sharing free mental health resources.

Introducing flexible working hours or the option for remote work days can also make a noticeable difference without putting pressure on your finances.

Additionally, explore SME-focused programs like better [blank] that offer a comprehensive, affordable and easy-to-implement solution designed to suit businesses like yours. Small changes can lead to big results.

2. Lack of Time

In the busy world of SMEs, it’s easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Employees and leaders are often juggling multiple roles, leaving little time to dedicate to wellbeing.

You might worry that introducing wellbeing activities could disrupt workflows or take away from essential tasks.

How to Overcome It

Instead of treating wellbeing as an extra task, weave it into your daily routine. Try ‘sneaker’ meetings, offer healthy snacks or kick off meetings with a quick gratitude exercise.

You can also save time by using programs with built-in tools like personalised employee dashboards and pre-planned wellbeing calendars.

Platforms like better [blank] offer everything you need in one place to make wellbeing easy to manage without adding to your workload.

3. Engaging Employees

One of the biggest challenges SMEs face is getting employees to participate in wellbeing initiatives. Some may see them as unnecessary or worry about losing time to their busy schedules.

Others might not even realise they need support or feel awkward discussing personal wellbeing at work.

How to Overcome It

Make wellbeing activities fun and inclusive to get your team involved. Think team step challenges, gratitude campaigns or friendly team based quizzes that bring everyone together.

Tailor activities to your team’s interests and ensure leadership leads by example—when your team sees you prioritising wellbeing, they’re more likely to jump on board.

4. Stigma Around Mental Health

Mental health can be a tough topic in small, close-knit teams. Many employees may hesitate to speak up, fearing judgment or awkwardness. This stigma can prevent people from getting the help they need, thus impacting both their wellbeing and productivity.

How to Overcome It

Foster a workplace culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported. Anonymous surveys can help you understand employee needs, while manager training can equip leaders to recognise stress and approach conversations with empathy.

Align your efforts with national campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Week and provide access to confidential counselling or mental health apps. When you normalise these conversations, you create a safer space for everyone.

5. Maintaining Consistency

Starting strong with wellbeing initiatives is one thing; keeping the momentum going is another. Shifting priorities or the lack of a structured plan often makes it hard to stay consistent, leaving employees disengaged and trust diminished.

How to Overcome It

Consistency begins with a plan. Create an annual calendar of activities to keep your efforts on track and partner with programs like better [blank] that offer pre-planned initiatives tailored to SMEs.

Celebrate milestones and track progress to maintain motivation. Small, steady steps add up to long-term success, so focus on building habits rather than trying to achieve perfection overnight.

Why Wellbeing Matters for SMEs

Wellbeing isn’t just a tick-the-box exercise; it’s essential for creating a thriving workplace and ensuring long-term success. When you prioritise your team’s health and happiness, you’ll see:

• Improved Productivity: Healthy, energised employees bring their A-game.

• Higher Retention: Valued employees stick around longer.

• Stronger Morale: A positive vibe fuels collaboration and team spirit.

• Reduced Absenteeism: Supporting health means fewer sick days.

Programs like better [blank] make it simple for SMEs to build a healthier, happier workplace without the hassle.

Final Thoughts

Prioritising wellbeing in your SME isn’t just good for your team—it’s good for your business. By addressing common challenges with simple, practical solutions, you can create a positive, productive workplace where employees thrive. 

Ready to take the first step? Explore better [blank] today and see how it can make workplace wellbeing easy for your SME!