Time poor business owners struggle to get away from it all

As school holidays begin for most of the UK, many families are contemplating their annual getaway, but research from business software and services company Sage UK suggests small business owners will not be slowing down over the next few months, with nearly half (44%) admitting they will struggle to find the time to go away this summer.

The figures from Sage’s monthly Omnibus of 1,000 UK business owners also reveal that for some 23% this is the second year in a row that they will be missing out on a summer holiday. The tough economic climate over the last few years has also effected where business owners are going on holiday with 16% saying that a squeeze on finances has meant they are replacing foreign holidays with UK staycations.

But it’s not just the duration and destination of the annual summer holiday that’s changed, just under a third (31%) say that the lack of available funds has forced them to take fewer holidays over the year as a whole.

Despite signs of what could be a long summer ahead for UK business owners, Adrienne McFarland, People Services Director, Sage UK and Ireland, is keen to stress the importance of taking a break from the office: “Although trading conditions and financial constraints may be making it hard for many SME owners to take a traditional week or two week break, it’s important to remember that to remain productive, everyone needs to switch off and take time off now and again, even if it’s just a long weekend to recharge your batteries.

According to one recent study workers should be taking a break every 62 days to avoid burning out, something which is bad for both employee and employer.

“Although small businesses in particular may be under pressure over the summer with staff eager to get away, with proper planning and an efficient holiday booking system, you can make sure there are enough people to manage the workload so that everyone, including the boss, can start the last quarter of the year refreshed, restored and revitalised,” Adrienne Mcfarland added.