As a business owner, how good are you at taking time off? I mean proper time off, away from the business, which includes not really thinking about your business, all that much. Of course, there will still be thoughts in your head about your business, that’s only natural.
I’ve found that business owners often need to be reminded of the benefits of taking time off, both for their personal health and well-being, but also for the success of their businesses. These benefits include:
· Increased productivity
· Improved decision-making
· Reduced stress
· Increased creativity
· Improved relationships with employees, customers, and family
According to a survey by Aldermore SME Future Attitudes, only 48% of small business owners in the UK take more than five days off a year. The report also says that a fifth (21%) take zero holiday days.
This is significantly lower than the average for corporate employees, who take 20 days of holiday per year.
So, business owner, I’ll get straight to it, for those that do take time away, you’re supporting you, well done, you will not only feel the benefits, but see them as well.
To the business owners that don’t take time away, what’s your reason?
· Some fear of losing control. Small business owners often feel like they can't afford to take time off, because they're afraid that their businesses will suffer in their absence.
· Some lack the ability to delegate. Many small business owners are reluctant to delegate tasks to their employees, which can make it difficult to take time off.
· Some suffer from workaholism. Some small business owners are simply workaholics, and they find it difficult to step away from their businesses, even for a short period of time.
If any of these resonate with you, what do you want to change, for you first of all, and then your business?
So, who here wants:
· More productivity in their business?
· Improved decision making?
· Reduced stress?
· Increased creativity?
· Improved relationships?
Only you can truly make the decision, and prioritise you, for you and your business. Sadly, changes usually occur when things have reached their worst. I’ve seen it many times, marriages breaking down or a person’s health is in tatters, physically or mentally.
What’s the solution?
Helping you to plan your time off.
To begin with this could be small steps, such as an early finish or a late start, what’s a couple of hours in the grand scheme of things? Within this cover should be found, tasks need delegated and most importantly setting realistic expectations for your return.
List out your concerns, and suggestions for what could help you to overcome them.
Who do you need to get involved? Family, employees? It’s important for business owners to have the support of both.
Perhaps talk to other business owners, who take time off, find out their experiences?
Don’t get me wrong, taking time out can be challenging, but it's important to remember that it's not only good for you, but it's also good for your business. By following these tips, you can recharge and come back to your business refreshed and ready to succeed.
How would you feel if you took the step to creating some time out for you? What benefits are you ready to receive?
Imagine what you could do if you carved out some time to explore what this could look like for you and your business?
If you had a sounding board to explore the ins and outs of your business, in a safe space, where the other person was really listening to what’s important to you and your business.
I offer a 45 min discovery call, where my primary focus this August is on helping business owners find ways to take time away from their business for their well-being, as well as their businesses. To book this session email me on
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