Small business owners are struggling to take time off – as new research reveals nine out of 10 Brits ‘still work’ during holiday.
The national study by global travel and leisure company TUI describes this trend as ‘downtime deficit’ – with research showing the majority of business owners take just five days of annual leave each year.
Comparatively, people working 9 to 5 jobs take on average 17 days of annual leave.
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Two entrepreneurs who both love their jobs but struggle with work-life balance are aiming to change their attitude towards holidays this year.
They hope that sharing their stories will encourage others to put their work aside and prioritise much-needed rest.
‘I love my job as a builder but I’m changing the way I work for my future baby’
Tom Plumridge, 32, is a self-employed builder from Buckinghamshire.
He hasn’t had a two-week holiday since he was 21.
The budding dad loves his job because he is “able to work on his own terms” but it is often long hours and he wants to shift his priorities.
“[As an entrepreneur], you never really switch off, there’s always something in the back of my mind,” he said.
“Holidays feel near-impossible to enjoy – I constantly worry that I might lose out on work or that another builder, who hasn’t jetted off abroad, will be hired instead.
“[But] now I know that I’ve got the little one on the way, priorities have now changed.
“Once the baby comes I’ve got to really change how I work, because I don’t want to miss out, that includes taking time away as a family to create memories.”
Of course, there are upsides to working for yourself and running your own show.
Tom loves being able to work on his own terms and loves the freedom he gets from being his own boss in the building trade, as well as constantly meeting new people.
‘Helping people is what I’m passionate about but I sometimes forget my own needs’
Zavia is a self-employed personal trainer from Manchester.
Her clients are not only her livelihood but the fitness expert is also invested in their wellbeing and progress, which makes her work even more intense.
Zavia loves being able to help people get healthier and feel good about themselves – but is so dedicated to her job that she sometimes forgets her own needs.
“Helping people is what I’m passionate about… it’s my life,” she said.
“I like working for myself and being able to help people the way that I want to help them.
“I love it, even though it’s tiring and long days.
“One of my clients even had health and fertility issues, which was improved by her training.
“I have to always be in their corner – which means I am often forgetting my own needs.
“I also feel like I constantly have to be a good example, making sure I’m doing what I tell them to do.”
Zavia does travel from time to time, though most of it is work-related – though she tries to steal a moment for herself when she can, such as recently going for a hike while in Portugal.
But the PT rarely puts her phone or laptop down.
Three in 10 entrepreneurs work four hours a day while on holiday.
Almost all (97%) entrepreneurs admit they still work on holiday when they take annual leave, according to TUI’s latest research.
Meanwhile, a third (35%) of entrepreneurs typically work for four hours each day while on annual leave or on holiday.
She said: “The last time I went on holiday was a solo 48-hour trip to Portugal between clients.
“I had time for a hike and sightseeing but spent a lot of time on my phone.”
Almost half (48%) of entrepreneurs claim that they are so passionate about growing their business that they find it hard to switch off from work.
However, one in five (18%) of entrepreneurs ‘strongly agree’ that taking time off from work is good to reset their goals.
What’s more, one in seven entrepreneurs ‘strongly agree’ that they wish they were able to take more holiday and 45% of entrepreneurs claim they only took 3-4 days ‘off work’ last year.
Almost two thirds (65%) of entrepreneurs have had to cancel annual leave/holiday due to work commitments.
Don’t forget the balance
For some people, like Zavia, the trade-off is worth it in the end.
But it’s important to remember the balance.
She said: “I’m seeing instant changes [in my clients] and I love that.”
“They tell me it’s the best they’ve ever looked in their life.
“I love what I do, but I see people going on holiday and I think it would be nice to have a couple weeks where I can fully switch off and be fully relaxed which is why I think TUI’s campaign is so important – a real reminder to take the time to recharge.
Win a free holiday
To help small business owners like Zavia and Tom, TUI is offering entrepreneurs a chance to get that well-deserved holiday, or three!
You can nominate an entrepreneur you believe is in need of some R&R via www.tui.co.uk/content/downtime-deficit, entries close 8th June 2024 with holidays redeemable over three years.
“It’s great to see such passion and drive in our nation,” said Andrew Flintham, managing director, TUI UK&I.
“At TUI, we believe everyone, including those hustling and growing a business, have definitely earned a break – whether that’s resting on the beach with emails on do not disturb, or discovering the depths of a new city.
“We are so happy to be able to gift deserving entrepreneurs a trip away that’s well-overdue for many, so we encourage everyone to nominate someone they feel is going above and beyond – whether they are growing a business from the ground up or hustling on the side.”
FACT BOX: TOP PROFESSIONS WHERE PEOPLE TOOK JUST 1-2 DAYS OFF LAST YEAR
1. Personal Trainers (35%)
2. Photographer / videographer (27%)
3. Designers (25%)
4. Plumbers (22%)
5. Makeup artists (20%)
6. Electricians (19%)
7. Hairdressers (18%)
8. Builders and Chefs (16%)
9. Farmers, Beauticians and Shop Keepers (15%)
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