Marvin Onumonu70% of entrepreneurs in the UK feel guilty taking time off from their businesses, even during annual leave, research by Uswitch.com has found.
The study revealed that 65% of entrepreneurs reported working between 30 to 50 hours per week, with almost 40% exceeding 40 hours.
Research from the Mental Health Foundation found that stress-related absences cost UK businesses £28bn annually, with burnout as a key factor.
A major reason small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners struggle to switch off is the volume of administrative tasks, according to its research.
One in four entrepreneurs spend 11 to 15 hours a week on admin, with financial management as the second most time-consuming task.
Managing their inboxes takes up 45% of admin time, followed by banking at 38% and meetings at 33%.
Elder suggested strategies for reclaiming time such as using automation tools, managing financial admin with business credit cards, improving invoicing and payment processes, delegating tasks, and scheduling breaks.
Andy Elder, business current accounts expert at Uswitch, said: “SME owners are the backbone of the UK economy, but the pressure to always be ‘on’ takes its toll.
“Our data shows that many business owners are struggling to take time off, largely due to admin burdens and financial admin pressures.
“With many business owners caught in a cycle of admin overload, financial management tasks, and long working hours, it’s time to explore solutions that can help SMEs regain control of their time.”
Elder added: “By leveraging smarter financial management tools and automation, entrepreneurs can reclaim their time, reduce stress, and create more sustainable working patterns.”
