Small Business Owners Missing Out on Summer Breaks—and Why It Matters
Running your own business sounds like a dream for many—flexibility, independence, and being your own boss. But for hundreds of thousands of small business owners, the reality looks very different—especially when summer rolls around.
A recent study by Simply Business, supported by the mental health charity Mind, sheds light on the growing number of small business owners in the UK who can’t afford to take even a single day off this summer. That’s right—1 in 5 small business owners say they’ll work right through the warmer months, with around 750,000 people missing out on traditional family holidays entirely.
☀️ What the Research Shows
Despite having a statutory right to 20 days of annual leave, many self-employed workers—especially those running micro businesses—take far less time off. The study revealed a few key insights:
- Over 1 million small business owners are sacrificing their family and social lives because of work pressure.
- 750,000 will skip summer holidays with their kids.
- 72% of respondents were parents—highlighting how deeply this affects family time.
- 30% will only take a break if it means staying home or close by, just in case their business needs attention.
- Nearly 50% said they cancel social plans with family or friends at least once a week, and half a million admitted they don’t make social plans at all.
😊 The Surprising Silver Lining
Now, here’s where it gets interesting—two-thirds of those surveyed still feel happy with their work-life balance. How?
Thanks to flexible working and evolving tech, many small business owners can adapt their schedules to suit family life. From adjusting hours for the school run to working late evenings to spend more time with their kids, technology is helping bridge the work-life gap.
For many parents, the ability to work outside the traditional 9-to-5 has been a game-changer. In fact, most business owners in the study said that modern tech has helped their work-life balance rather than hurt it.
👤 Words from the Experts
Jason Stockwood, CEO of Simply Business, shared:
“Running a small business is a massive commitment. You’re not just the expert—you’re also the finance director, the marketer, the admin assistant, and more. It takes serious dedication. But it’s just as important to step back, take time for yourself, and avoid burnout.”
He emphasized how critical it is for business owners to create balance—otherwise, they risk not only their personal health but the future of their business.
Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at Mind, warned:
“Too many small business owners are pushing themselves too hard—sacrificing holidays, skipping social time with family and friends. That may seem necessary in the short term, but long term, it can damage your mental and physical health.”
She went on to say that regular downtime isn’t just good for your health—it’s essential for business success. Employees (and business owners) who take care of their mental wellbeing tend to be more productive, less stressed, and less likely to call in sick.
💬 FAQs: Small Business Owners & Time Off
Q1: Is it really common for small business owners to work without breaks?
Yes. According to the research, 1 in 5 can’t take even a single day off during the summer, and nearly 750,000 skip family holidays entirely.
Q2: Why don’t small business owners take time off?
Mainly due to financial pressures, fear of losing clients, and the reality that they wear multiple hats. For many, stepping away from work feels like too big of a risk.
Q3: What role does technology play in their work-life balance?
A positive one, surprisingly. Technology has made it easier for business owners to work flexible hours and stay connected when needed, allowing more time with family or for personal commitments.
Q4: Can working non-stop hurt business owners in the long run?
Absolutely. Consistently working long hours can lead to burnout, poor mental and physical health, and declining business performance over time.
Q5: What can small business owners do to improve their wellbeing?
- Schedule regular breaks, even short ones.
- Outsource or delegate tasks when possible.
- Use technology to automate time-consuming tasks.
- Seek mental health support or join small business support communities.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Why Rest Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Business Strategy
It’s easy to romanticize the hustle of entrepreneurship—but behind every thriving micro business is a person juggling multiple roles, sacrificing personal time, and often pushing their limits.
The takeaway? Rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Taking a break doesn’t mean you’re slacking off. It means you’re investing in your long-term sustainability, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s a short walk, a weekend away, or just a few hours unplugged, small business owners need time to recharge.
Yes, running your own business requires commitment, but so does looking after yourself. The health of your business depends on the health of the person behind it—you.
So, this summer, even if it’s just a day or two: take that break. Your business—and your wellbeing—will thank you.