Australian entrepreneurs better than global peers at managing mental health

Anticipating mental health needs is key to both an entrepreneur's success and their business’ performance. Yet many (40%) wait until they’re at a crisis point to act, according to new research from Bupa.

The global study^[1] showed Australian entrepreneurs are the most likely to buck this trend – 14% say they proactively manage their mental health compared to those in the UK (6%), US (6%) and Spain (11%). Entrepreneurs in Australia are also most likely to reflect their own proactive approach Austrato mental health into the company culture.  Nearly half (49%) say they have implemented mental health resources and tools to support employees, compared to entrepreneurs in Poland (34%), US (33%), UK (28%), Spain (22%).

The research also revealed that those entrepreneurs from across the globe projecting strong company growth are more likely to be proactive about managing their mental health. Those anticipating 10%+ business growth over the next year are twice as likely (10% v 5%) to proactively manage their mental health compared to entrepreneurs predicting lower company growth (0-5%).

Globally, almost 1 in 5 (17%) say they never check in on their mental health or wellbeing. This prevention gap highlights the need to make mental health support as routine and accessible as physical healthcare, a challenge Bupa aims to address through opening 60 Mindplace mental health clinic by the end of 2027.

Bupa has also partnered with Australian founder Marita Cheng, founder of AI and robotics companies Aubot, Aipoly and Robogals, to shine a light on the importance of protecting mental health.

Marita Cheng, founder of AI and robotics companies Aubot, Aipoly and Robogals, said: “As a founder, how you show up mentally sets the tone for your whole company. When I’m well-rested, positive, and calm, that energy ripples through my team. It’s not about being endlessly strong - it’s about creating space to recharge, connect with others, and bring that steady mindset back into the business.”

“Founders carry a huge responsibility, not just for their own success, but for the livelihoods of their teams and the people who believe in their vision. That weight can be intense, which is why it’s so important to take care of your own mental health along the way. Taking breaks, getting perspective, and finding the things that help you feel grounded all build resilience over time. Looking after your mind isn’t a luxury - it’s part of leading well and staying the course.”

Andrea Christie-David, Director of Mental Health at Bupa, said: “In our busy lives, mental health often gets pushed to the sidelines. Our research shows that an ‘always on’ approach to mental health is key for personal wellbeing and integral to business success.

Yet even leaders who recognise this fact don’t always find it easy to engage proactively with their mental health. We’ve launched our new Mindplace mental health clinics in cities around Australia and available to anyone via telehealth, to make it as simple as possible for busy people to take a proactive approach to mental wellbeing - supporting everyday resilience, not just recovery.”

Work related pressures have led to many Australian entrepreneurs experiencing symptoms of poor mental health - three in five (65%) say they have experienced anxiety in the past year, while over half (54%) report sleep disturbances. In addition, to physical symptoms 42% also say they have experienced low mood or persistent sadness, and the same number (42%) have felt loss of motivation, impacting both their professional and personal lives. 

Nearly three quarters (72%) say work-related stress has affected their ability to switch off during family events and special occasions during the last year, while over half (58%) say work-related pressure always or often prevents them from switching off at weekends. Australian entrepreneurs also recognise the dangers to their business of neglecting their mental health, with 61% saying that poor mental health has impacted their ability to lead in the past year.

For more information about Mindplace, visit here.

^{[1] Bupa, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, surveyed 500 active company entrepreneurs across five global markets: Australia, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The survey was fielded in October 2025 and was conducted via online methodology.}