Another week, another survey. We hear from Ultimate Finance that almost half (44%) of UK small and medium business (SME) owners in the transport sector will miss Christmas celebrations this year due to business and workload commitments.
It shines a spotlight on the personal strains that British SMEs are under.
According to the survey, all say that their business has had a negative impact on relationships and family life.
Eight out of 10 say poor work/life balance has a negative impact on their family relationships.
And, over half have missed a special family occasion such as a birthday.
Business psychologist Robert Stewart says: “Taking time out to spend with friends and family is an important part of life. It can be restorative and help with mental wellbeing. I find that business leaders often struggle to strike this work/life balance, sometimes feeling guilty about ‘downtime’ despite very much wanting to spend more time with loved ones.
“Not getting that time off can be extremely detrimental. This research shows the true extent of the problem which we can work together as a single business community to tackle.”
Life is busy, with long hours, and relatively few rewards, compared with other sectors. Yet those running coaches, minibuses and buses, generally wouldn’t have it any other way.
The industry performs a vital public service. It shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Finally, on behalf of all the team at routeone, I wish you a joyous Christmas and prosperous New Year.
