This year’s Mental Health Week was focused on the theme of anxiety. For some, it was their introduction to the importance of managing mental health effectively and the dangers of allowing anxiety to take hold of their lives. However, with two of Tezlom’s core pillars being Transparency and Zealous, which sees our entire team driven by providing a helping hand where we can, we believe it is equally important to discuss mental health in franchising. Society has faced a 13% rise in mental health conditions in the last decade¹ with one in five SME owners now reporting negative mental health². But it is vital that prospects understand the value of franchising when it comes to maintaining and sustaining a positive outlook. Here at Tezlom, we don’t shy away from discussing real world issues, so prospects, franchisees and franchisors never have to feel like they are facing them alone.

As we all know, the franchise industry has grown into an incredible business scape thanks to the concept of collaboration, support and protecting those close to us in business. If prospects asked any franchisor what makes the industry special, they would most likely explain somewhere that newly launched franchisees never need to worry about taking the strain of a business launch on their own backs. Instead, thanks to the brand’s reputation, learning from mistakes and simply by joining a well-oiled network, new franchisees can rest assured that they will never have to worry about the feeling of isolation or panic over facing a hurdle that has already been crossed. Yes, new franchise ventures require significant energy, focus and commitment. However, these are all aspects of business ownership that are protected by the franchise model which alleviates concerns of burnout or anxiety damaging a business operation. And with economic uncertainty looming over us, mental health, financial security and providing well-rounded support are certainly areas of the industry that should be discussed.

Put simply, we at Tezlom wear our commitment to supporting mental health like a badge of honour. Now more than ever, as more entrepreneurs come to us seeking agency over their work-life balance and mental wellbeing, it has never been more important to celebrate an approach that allows us to nurture a happier, more engaged and more driven network. Research shows that for almost 70% of people, their manager has more impact on their mental health than their therapist or doctor, matching the impact of their partners³. So, we ask the question, who wouldn’t want to join a network that not only recognises this, but does everything possible to help people feel more in control and happy at work?

The franchisee-franchisor relationship is certainly a close partnership in today’s dynamic, diverse and leader-driven industry. Our franchisees have the benefit of knowing their investment in the brand is directly benefitting their wellbeing, with our Group Brand Manager and Mental Health Ambassador, Kay Lou Haskins, becoming a leading light in showing the franchise industry how it should be done.  

“It’s vital that prospects understand the value of launching a business in an environment that’s not only built to help them succeed professionally, but supports and nurtures their mental health and wellbeing in the process. Tezlom is continuing to welcome entrepreneurs from all walks of life, but all share our vision of supporting one another and helping each other flourish in any way we can. That’s where head office and I step in – we’re all huge advocates for mental wellbeing and ultimately, know how much it can directly link to the success of our brand and team.

“Tezlom is full of incredible, driven people who, like in all fast-paced corporate spaces, can sometimes forget to put themselves first. However, franchisees can be safe in the knowledge that we are leading the way when it comes to championing mental wellbeing,” says Kay Lou.

An alarming 50% of employees have experienced at least one characteristic of burnout due to greater job demands and expectations, lack of social interaction and lack of boundaries between work and home life⁴. So, as we endeavour to help franchisees visualise and plan in a way that will address these issues specifically, with the support of Kay Lou, a Breath Coach and Cold Water Therapist, we have introduced breathing workshops, discussion opportunities – and even future plans for cold-water therapy! – all in pursuit of supporting our network’s wellbeing.

While running a franchise business requires the same amount of effort as owning a start-up, here, concerns over isolation and burnout are addressed with the role of a devoted and understanding franchisor taking the necessary action to prevent it. At Tezlom, we devote our own time and energy towards securing this approach through effective recruitment and celebrating those who represent our brand, vision, culture and mission.

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¹World Health Organization, 2023, Mental health

²Simply Business, 2021, Mental health crisis looming among SME owners as four in five (82%) say Covid-19 has negatively impacted their mental wellbeing

³Tracy Brower, PhD, 2023, Managers Have Major Impact On Mental Health: How To Lead For Wellbeing

⁴Deloitte UK Mental Health Report, 2022, Deloitte UK Mental Health Report (2022)