Married to the job - a fifth of small business owners and sole traders take no holiday

• A fifth (19 per cent) of small business owners and sole traders will take no annual leave this year
• Small business owners and sole traders take just 13 days of annual leave a year on average, with a quarter (26 per cent) saying they feel guilty taking time off
• 30 per cent say they find it hard to 'switch off’ from work while on annual leave, with half continuing to take work calls and responding to work messages while on leave

As many of us enjoy some rest and relaxation over the summer, new research¹ from Direct Line business insurance reveals one in five (19 per cent) small business owners and sole traders will take no annual leave at all this year. On average small business owners and sole traders take just 13 days holiday a year, far less than the 28 days of annual leave a year to which most employees are entitled². Over a quarter (26 per cent) of small business owners and sole traders admit they often feel guilty taking time off.

When small business owners and sole traders do take holiday, almost a third of the respondents (30 per cent) confess that they find it hard to 'switch off’ from work. This could be down to half (50 per cent) of these individuals taking work calls or responding to work messages while on annual leave. On average they spend three quarters of an hour (44 minutes) every day of their vacation taking calls and checking work emails/messages, showing the difficulty in switching off while on a break. It is important to take regular breaks throughout the year, as research³ shows it helps reduce stress, improve the mood within the workplace, boosts health, reduces absenteeism, improves productivity, and offers a creativity boost. 

Over a third (35 per cent) of small business owners and sole traders acknowledge the importance of taking time away from work, however, over a third of respondents (39 per cent) admit to finding it hard to take holidays due to the loss of income when not working, while a third (34 per cent) said that they find it hard to turn down work due to fear that customers may go elsewhere.

Table 1 - Reasons for small business owners and sole traders not wanting to take time off work

Source – Direct Line Business Insurance

Worryingly it’s not just annual leave small business owners and sole traders are missing out on due to a desire to take time off. A third (33 per cent) also admit they have missed an important friend or family occasion due to work commitments.

When asked about the benefits being a sole trader or small business owner, nearly three quarters of respondents explained being their own boss (75 per cent) and being able to make their own decisions (74 per cent), were the greatest pluses. They also enjoy having flexibility in their day-to-day hours, which was a benefit for two thirds of respondents, which could help to explain the reticence to taking holiday due to the enjoyment of focussing on their business.  

Alison Traboulsi, SME Product Manager at Direct Line Business insurance commented: "Running a small business often means juggling numerous responsibilities, making it challenging to step away. However, it's essential for business owners to prioritize their health and well-being by taking time off. While it can be difficult to find the right moment to take a break, doing so is crucial to maintaining balance and preventing burnout. Even short, well-planned breaks can make a significant difference, allowing owners to return with renewed energy and focus."

ENDS

Notes to editors 

1.      Censuswide survey of 502 Small business owners/sole traders. The data was collected between 24.07.2024-26.07.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

2.      Holiday entitlement - GOV.uk - https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights

3.      More Moments of Joy: Why Annual Leave Matters – Sodexo Pluxee https://www.sodexoengage.com/blog/employee-wellbeing/importance-of-annual-leave/

For further information please contact: 

Direct Line Group    

Unni Henry    

PR Manager   

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk    

  

About Direct Line business insurance  

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance now has over half a million customer policies, providing a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors.  

Direct Line business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Direct Line business insurance and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk.