New business owners skip holidays with work taking priority
ONE IN three new business owners admit that they haven’t had a holiday in over two years, with over a third, 34 per cent, of people who run a start-up saying they don’t have a holiday planned in 2016 or beyond.
Research by Lloyds Bank also showed that one in three small business owners find it difficult to switch off from their work, with 34 per cent saying they get in touch with colleagues or clients every day.
Small business owners struggle when it comes to managing their work-life balance, clocking up 57 working hours in a normal week – 20 hours more than the average UK employee.
A third of female start-up owners, 36 per cent, admit that they haven’t been able to take a break of ‘more than a few days’ during the last 12 months, instead choosing to focus their time and energy on running their business.
Male business owners follow a similar trend with 57 per cent stating they haven’t had a break in the same period.
Jo Harris, the managing director of Lloyds Bank Retail Business Banking, said: “Many entrepreneurs make the leap into business ownership full of promise for more control and flexibility – getting away from a 9-5 desk existence.
“Being your own boss delivers countless benefits, but the responsibility that comes with it can make it harder to switch off and go on holiday.
“This drive and determination is the lifeblood of start-ups, but it’s important to seek out ways of getting support to allow you to take a break.”