Improving Workplace Wellness

When you’re deep in the day-to-day of running a business, it’s easy to overlook how your team is really doing. Some employees will speak up about their needs, but many won’t. That’s why it’s important to check in, stay aware, and make sure well-meaning practices aren’t unintentionally affecting morale.

Sometimes, what feels “normal” or familiar — especially if it’s something you experienced in your own career — might actually be creating stress or disengagement among your team.

To help, we’ve outlined key job factors that impact employee well-being, common workplace pitfalls, and better practices to try.

Below is a preview—click Download to view the full PDF!

Reduce Stress as a Business Owner

Entrepreneurship often feels like second nature. But in today’s hustle culture, chronic stress can creep in unnoticed, leading to a state of constant overextension without you realizing it. If “always on” has become your default, here are some signs of burnout that may be quietly building up: 

🚩 Signs of Burnout

1. Irritability or mood swings that feel out of character 
2. Loss of motivation or passion for work
3. Decision fatigue, even with small choices
4. Putting off priorities or neglecting responsibilities
5. Neglecting personal hygiene or usual self-care routines
6. Withdrawing from others, including family and friends
7. Trouble sleeping, staying asleep, or waking up exhausted 
8. Getting sick more often due to a weakened immune system
9. Appetite changes, such as eating more or eating less than usual 
10. Feeling loss of control over schedule and tasks
11. Increased use of substances like alcohol, caffeine, and medications
12. Frequent talk about quitting, selling the business, or “getting out”

What to Do if You’re Feeling Burnt Out

1. Dedicate time for rest and healing – Find an activity that helps your mind truly disconnect. True rest means giving your brain a break from problem-solving.
2. Plan ahead — Take time each week to map out what needs to get done and how you’ll do it. Planning gives you clarity, reduces decision fatigue, and puts you back in control.
3. Address root causes — If the same problems keep popping up, dig deeper. Treating the source prevents burnout from becoming chronic.
4. Coach, do not just delegate! — It’s not just about handing off tasks. Teach your team how to handle challenges. Building their confidence reduces how often they rely on you and lightens your mental load.
5. Work closely with your staff — Stay connected to your team. Shared goals and mutual support make the load feel lighter and the workplace feel stronger.
6. Don’t overcommit! — Say no when you need to. You can’t be everywhere and there are only so many hats you can wear. Your business will benefit more from focused energy than stretched-thin effort.

5 Small Daily Practices That Help!

1. Start the day with intention — Take 5-10 minutes each day to outline your priorities. Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable tasks. Doing this helps you take control of the day. 
2. Take a 5-10 minute break in between tasks — Instead of jumping from one thing to the next, learn to pause. Short resets can help your brain keep calm.
3. Step away from your desk — Physically changing your environment, even for a few minutes, can give your mind a refresh. Step outside, walk around the office, stand while taking phone calls.
4. Connect with a team member — No matter how brief, positive human interactions help reduce tension and remind you that you are not alone.
5. Block out one “No Meeting” hour — Give yourself a protected time window to think, rest, or catch up. Even one uninterrupted hour a day can prevent mental overload. 



Feeling lost after selling your business? 🧭

Exiting from your business can come with unexpected emotions: relief, pride, and sometimes even a sense of loss. After years of structure, responsibility, and purpose, the sudden shift in pace can feel disorienting. If you're finding it hard to figure out what’s next, you’re not alone.

Here are a few meaningful ways to stay engaged, find new purpose, or simply enjoy the next chapter!

1. Remaining involved in some capacity, on your terms — Consider remaining engaged as a joint partner, external consultant, or informal adviser to the new owner or even family members entering business.
2. Pour passion into supporting your community or doing your bit for charity – use your expertise to guide them, help with fundraising, provide hands-on support at events, etc
3. Set up a new business – if you have the capital/funding, detailed breakdown of your business idea, are prepared for a period of hard work and lower income before it takes off, start the business cycle again
4. Live out the entrepreneur’s dream and enjoy retirement – enjoy retirement with the proceeds from the sale
5. Keep yourself busy at home – family time / household work / hobbies



Featured Listing

Thanks for reading this month’s edition of the First Choice Triangle Tribune! Remember: caring for your business starts with caring for yourself and your team. Whether you're navigating daily stress or preparing for life after a sale, you're not alone. 

Got thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear from you! Until next month, here’s to healthier minds and stronger businesses. 🧠💼✨

Warm Regards,

Dale Brunelle
Business Broker