Posted on 11th August 2023

Running your own business can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, offering you new levels of autonomy; allowing you to build wealth from your own success and providing you with the flexibility to pursue your passions. All of this can lead to greater levels of satisfaction and fulfilment. However, the trade-off is often that it comes with long working hours, high levels of responsibility, and a never-ending to-do list. Therefore it comes as no surprise that finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial for the well-being and overall success of small business owners. In this article, we will explore effective strategies and practical tips for maintaining work-life balance when running a small business.

According to a study conducted by Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org, 2023), four fifths of small business owners report common symptoms of poor mental health several times a year. Yet less than half of those surveyed hadn’t sought mental health support for these same issues.

Key findings

• Small and medium organisations account for 99% of the businesses in the UK. But research shows that, when it comes to mental health, they often fall behind larger organisations in accessing provision.
• 80% of those surveyed reported experiencing symptoms of poor mental health.
• The Covid-19 pandemic made the experience more acute, with business owners reporting panic attacks and symptoms of depression more frequently than in previous years.
• 86% of female business owners reported poor mental health, compared to 77% of males.

Set Clear Boundaries

One of the first steps in achieving work-life balance is setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Establish specific working hours and communicate them to your clients, employees, and stakeholders. Respect those boundaries yourself and encourage others to do the same. By creating a clear separation between work and personal time, you can better allocate your energy and attention to each aspect of your life.

By accepting responsibility for, and prioritising your own wellbeing, you’re demonstrating the importance of adopting a sensible work-life balance to your employees too. This will likely lead to a happier, healthier and more motivated workforce, which ultimately only benefits the overall success of your business too.

Prioritise and Delegate

As a small business owner, it's easy to get overwhelmed by numerous tasks and responsibilities. To maintain work-life balance, it's essential to prioritise your workload. Identify the most critical tasks that require your direct attention and delegate or outsource less crucial tasks to trusted employees or freelancers. Delegation not only lightens your workload but also empowers your team and fosters a sense of trust and collaboration.

Time Management and Planning

Effective time management is key to maintaining work-life balance. Plan your schedule in advance, set realistic deadlines, and allocate time for both work-related activities and personal commitments. Utilise productivity tools, such as calendars, task managers, and project management software, to help organize your workload efficiently. By managing your time effectively, you can avoid overworking and create space for personal activities and relaxation.

Learn to Say No

Small business owners often face numerous demands and requests from clients, employees, and business partners. While it may be tempting to say yes to every opportunity, it's important to learn to say no when necessary. Assess each request carefully and consider its alignment with your business goals and personal priorities. Saying no to certain commitments allows you to focus on what truly matters and maintain a healthier work-life balance.

Make time for Self-Care

Self-care is a vital aspect of work-life balance. As a small business owner, it's crucial to prioritise your physical and mental well-being. Delegate time for exercise, relaxation, hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones. Treat self-care activities as non-negotiable appointments in your schedule. Remember, investing in your own well-being not only benefits you personally but also enhances your productivity and effectiveness as a business owner.

Embrace Technology and Automation

Leveraging technology and automation can significantly improve work-life balance for small business owners. Explore tools and software that streamline repetitive tasks, automate administrative processes, and enhance communication and collaboration. This allows you to save time, reduce manual workload, and focus on the strategic aspects of your business or personal life.

Seek Support and Build a Network

Running a small business can be challenging, but you don't have to face it alone. Seek support from family, friends, and mentors who understand the demands of entrepreneurship. Join professional networks, industry associations, or entrepreneurial communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals and share experiences. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide guidance, motivation, and a sense of belonging, ultimately contributing to a healthier work-life balance.

Take Regular Breaks and Holidays

It's essential to incorporate regular breaks into your schedule to prevent the stresses associated with burnout, or physical and mental exhaustion that may essentially leave you unable to operate the business altogether. Enhance your creativity and problem-solving by stepping away from the business for a period of time to allow for fresh perspectives and provide your mind with an opportunity to relax and recharge. By immersing yourself in new experiences and leisure activities, you will be able to approach challenges with renewed vigour, enhanced creativity and innovative thinking. Quality time away from your business will also allow you to spend more quality time with your family and friends, which will ultimately only strengthen these relationships and provide you with the motive for working so hard in the first place.

Summary - Plus Further Resources

If you’re unsure how or where to begin in planning for time away, accessing support networks or balancing the unique opportunities and challenges that come with running a small or medium sized business then you can access further support and advice from a variety of sources.

Business Support Organisations

Organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) often provide resources and guidance on various business-related topics, including mental health support for business owners. They may offer counseling services, workshops, and online resources tailored to the needs of small business owners.

Online Resources

There are numerous online resources available for mental health support. Good starting points include Mental Health at Work, UK:

https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/toolkit/mental-health-for-small-workplaces/

and Heads Up, UK:

https://headsupmha.com/

NHS Services

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides mental health services through general practitioners (GPs) and community mental health teams. You can make an appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health concerns and seek appropriate support.

Mental Health Helplines

Helplines like Samaritans (116 123) and Mind's Infoline (0300 123 3393) offer confidential mental health support and information. These helplines are available 24/7 and can provide a listening ear and guidance.

Mental Health Charities

Charitable organisations such as Mind and Rethink Mental Illness offer support and resources for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. They may provide helplines, online resources, support groups, and counselling services.

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)

If you have employees, consider implementing an EAP. EAPs typically offer confidential counselling services and mental health support for employees and their families. They may also extend their services to business owners.

Local Support Groups

Look for local support groups or community organisations that focus on mental health. These groups may offer peer support, counselling, and networking opportunities with other small business owners facing similar challenges.

Remember, reaching out for support is an essential step in taking care of your mental health. It's important to find the resources that best suit your needs and preferences.