Many SME’s to miss Christmas

Recent research suggests that SME owners in the construction sector are more likely to miss festive celebrations due to work demands.

Some 23% of UK small business owners will miss Christmas celebrations this year due to business and work load commitments, according to new research.

The research was undertaken to highlight the personal strains that British SMEs are under.

With nine out of ten owners saying that their business has had a negative impact on relationships and family life, 81% having a poor work / life balance, and over half missing a special family occasion such as a birthday, it is a stark reminder that SME owners need to look after themselves as well as employees.

Steve Noble, Chief Operating Officer at Ultimate Finance commented: “Christmas is an important time of year for many reasons, not least that it is one of the few times when there is potential for the majority of people in Britain to relax with family and friends. This is particularly important for SMEs who often work extremely long and lonely hours.

“Our research shows that many small business owners in the construction sector are not getting the opportunity to ‘switch off’ during Christmas; instead the stresses and strains of running a company is constant. This never-ending work pattern can put strains on personal relationships, further isolating those who are not finding the time to take off. It is important that the issue of pressure on SMEs is addressed as a serious problem.”

Business psychologist Robert Stewart added: “Taking time out to spend with friends and family is an important part of life. It can be restorative and help with mental wellbeing. I find that business leaders often struggle to strike this work / life balance, sometimes feeling guilty about ‘downtime’ despite very much wanting to more spend time with loved ones. Not getting that time off can be extremely detrimental, and I welcome this research which shows the true extent of the problem which we can work together as a single business community to tackle.”

Hundreds of Managing Directors from a wide range of sectors were questioned for the research to determine the impact that running a business was having on their lives. Carried out by 3Gem on behalf of SME funding partner Ultimate Finance, the survey was conducted as part of a bigger SME wellbeing campaign, with the aim of highlighting the need for small business owners to consider their own health, as well as their employees. To help SMEs who need support with their wellbeing, the leading UK funding ally has created an information hub with insight and guidance on a range of business wellbeing topics.

 

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