Originally posted https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/small-business-owners-no-days-off-study
New research suggests many UK small business owners are taking significantly less annual leave than employees, with founders citing difficulties switching off from work and handing over responsibilities
New research has found that almost one million UK small business owners take no full days off during the year, raising concerns about founder burnout and work-life balance.
The findings come from the Tide Business Benchmark Index 2026, which examined working patterns among UK small business owners. According to the study, founders take an average of just 15 full days off each year, compared with the statutory minimum annual leave entitlement of 28 days available to employees.
The research found that more than half (56%) of business owners take 10 days of annual leave or fewer each year, while 17% take no full days off at all. Based on UK SME population figures, Tide estimates this equates to approximately 969,000 business owners.
UK founders taking less annual leave than employees
The survey revealed a wide variation in how much time business owners take away from work.
Among those surveyed:
- 17% take no full days off per year
- 23% take between one and five days off
- 17% take between six and 10 days off
- 15% take between 11 and 20 days off
- 10% take between 21 and 30 days off
- 4% take between 31 and 34 days off
- 9% take more than 35 days off annually
The study defined a full day off as a day with no business calls, emails or administrative work.
Sole traders were found to be particularly likely to forgo annual leave, with 21% reporting that they take no full days off during the year. According to the research, one in five sole traders said they are unable to fully switch off because they do not have a team to hand responsibilities over to.
The lowest levels of annual leave were recorded among business owners aged 25-34, who reported taking an average of 12 days off each year.
Small business owners working long hours
Alongside annual leave trends, the research highlighted the long working hours many founders maintain.
According to the survey, the average UK business owner starts work at 7:52am and finishes at 6:04pm, resulting in a working day of more than 10 hours.
Nearly a third (29%) reported working more than 48 hours per week, which exceeds the maximum weekly working time limit that applies to employees under UK Working Time Regulations unless they opt out.
The report suggests that for many founders, taking time away from the business can feel difficult because of the personal investment involved in building and running a company.
Work-life balance remains a challenge for founders
Commenting on the findings, George Schmidt, chief executive UK and Europe at Tide, said many entrepreneurs launch businesses seeking greater flexibility but can struggle to step away from work.
“Many founders start a business to create more freedom and flexibility, yet the reality is that too many end up feeling unable to properly switch off,” he said.
The findings form part of a wider report examining work-life balance, business confidence, savings behaviour, social media activity and business trends among UK small business owners.
The work-life balance findings are based on an independent survey of 500 UK small business owners conducted by Censuswide in December 2025 for the Tide Business Benchmark Index 2026. Additional analysis within the wider report draws on data from more than 80,000 business savings accounts and over 100,000 company registrations. All data was correct as of December 2025.
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