Working for or running a small business can do serious damage to your stress levels and leave you suffering from severely bad work-life balance, a survey has suggested.
The research from Bibby Financial Services found that virtually all – 98 per cent – of small business owners and managers reported feeling stressed at work.
More than a quarter said they felt under pressure from three-quarters to all of the time.
"Many entrepreneurs go it alone because they want to be their own boss; however, it's vital they retain a work-life balance for themselves," said David Robertson, Bibby chief executive.
"Not only does it make sound personal sense, but a positive work-life balance delivers a number of business benefits, including increased staff loyalty, greater motivation of employees, reduced absenteeism, attraction and retention of a talented workforce and improved customer service," he added.
The bill for businesses from workplace stress-related absence has been estimated by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development to be as much as £11billion each year.
It is, of course, not just the effect of not having someone there that adds to the bill, but sorting out cover, suffering from high staff turnover and reduced productivity.
Entrepreneurs who have just started their own business, in particular, faced the possible of isolation, a lack of support structures and financial worries, added Bibby.
