Skip to content
ADVERTISEMENT
News

Virgin StartUp urges founders to prioritise wellbeing amid burnout concerns

Virgin StartUp’s latest Founder Barometer found that while 38% of founders said taking a break improves their mental health, many still struggle to prioritise wellbeing.

2 min read
Share
Close up, business woman using mobile phone at modern office. Businesswoman hand holding smartphone, surfing the internet, social media networking with copy space
ADVERTISEMENT

Virgin StartUp is encouraging entrepreneurs to step back from the “always-on” culture of running a business during Mental Health Awareness Week, as founder burnout continues to rise.

The organisation said this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme of “Action” should encourage founders to create time to pause and focus on their wellbeing amid growing pressures linked to managing businesses.

Virgin StartUp’s latest Founder Barometer found that while 38% of founders said taking a break improves their mental health, many still struggle to prioritise wellbeing.

Lack of time was cited by 31% as the biggest barrier, while 27% pointed to financial pressure.

Andy Fishburn, managing director at Virgin StartUp, said: “Founders are some of the most resilient people out there, but that resilience can come at a cost.

“We see first-hand how the pressure to always be ‘on’ can quickly lead to burnout.

“Switching on your out-of-office might sound simple, but for many founders it’s a radical act.

“This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re encouraging entrepreneurs to give themselves permission to pause.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Taking even a short break can help bring clarity, perspective and ultimately make for better, more sustainable businesses.”

As part of the campaign, Virgin StartUp will host “The Reset Room” at Virgin’s London headquarters on 13th May in partnership with Virgin Active.

The event will include guided breathwork, meditation and a sound bath session, followed by wellbeing-focused networking.

ADVERTISEMENT

Lilli Cooper, founder of Relion and a member of the Virgin StartUp community, said: “We often think of rest as the absence of activity, but it’s actually an active state that looks different for everyone.

“As a founder, the emails and notifications never really stop, so protecting your wellbeing has to become intentional.”

Virgin StartUp also said Andrew Salter, founder of Dirtea, will provide mentoring support to premium community members focused on managing pressure and building sustainable routines.

Andy Fishburn, Managing Director at Virgin StartUp, said: “We know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to founder burnout.”

Andy Fishburn, Managing Director at Virgin StartUp, added: “But creating moments to pause, whether that’s an hour, an afternoon, or simply setting boundaries, can make a real difference.”

Related

ADVERTISEMENT