New AMP Bank GO research reveals one in four small business owners don’t have time for a holiday, with most stuck in a constant state of ‘always on’.
As much of Australia switches off for a break over summer, small business owners are doing the opposite – working longer hours, sacrificing personal time and worrying about cash flow, even while on holiday.
New research from AMP Bank GO reveals that one in four Australian small business owners don’t feel they have time to take a holiday, while half are reluctant to take time off at all, concerned about the impact on their business.
The findings highlight a growing divide between employees – who have a legal ‘right to disconnect’ – and small business owners, who remain tethered to their work, finances and admin, even during the festive season.
Key findings from AMP Bank GO always on research:
Holiday stress:
- 90% are preoccupied with work outside typical hours, with 1 in 3 thinking about work ‘constantly’.
- 1 in 4 small business owners say they don’t have time for holidays.
- 50% are reluctant to take time off, worried about the impact on their business.
Strategy not a priority:
- 2 in 5 aren’t planning effectively for the future, only able to step back and strategise once a year, or not at all.
- Of the 40% who don’t regularly undertake strategic planning, they key reason cited was it being ‘not important’, followed by ‘too much admin’ and thirdly, ‘not enough time’.
Financial admin burden:
- 43% spend too much time on financial administration, with more than half dedicating over six hours a week to admin tasks.
- 60% sacrifice personal time or weekends just to stay on top of their finances.
- 35% don’t believe they’re working as efficiently as they could.
Cashflow and money worries:
- 70% worry about their cashflow, and 6 in 10 small business owners worry about being unable to pay their bills.
- 40% of small business owners reported their core businesses’ product/service demand is unpredictable, which only adds to their money stress.
John Arnott, Director AMP Bank GO said:
“Small business owners deserve a break. The hustle never stops – but taking even a short pause can be the difference between surviving and thriving in the year ahead.
“While many Australians are switching off for a break, small business owners are still ‘always on’ – worrying about cash flow, admin and whether their business can cope without them. That’s not sustainable.
“The new year beginning should be about setting yourself up for success. A few hours of reflection now can pay dividends all year long – but only if owners have visibility over their finances and confidence to switch off.”