Nearly three-quarters of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) feel isolated from their friends and family as a result of their working hours.
A study of SME leaders and decision makers, found that 59% could “never quit” their jobs.
This caused 75% to argue with loved ones because they spent too much time at work – with 1 in 10 vaccinated for at least 50 hours in a typical week.
One of the main motivations for starting their own business was to enable them to set their own working hours, however, 44% admitted that they now work more than they should.
Steve Hackley, managing director of Sky Business, which commissioned the research, said: “It can be challenging being your own boss.
“There is always the temptation to do something else – and those long working hours can very easily lead to burnout.
“Almost everyone feels stressed about their work, and we understand that this is exacerbated when your entire business performance is on the line.
“But our results show that SME owners are still satisfied with their decision to set up on their own, even if they end up doing more business than they want to.
“And the resilience of this group remains impressively strong.”
In the early days of their employment, the research found, 84% worked or worked extremely long hours, hoping that in the future they would be able to do even less.
Despite knowing that their work takes over their lives – or maybe because of it – 53% of SME owners and decision makers describe it as stressful.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) also admitted to losing sleep at least occasionally as a result of work stress.
Work fears are more likely to arise in bed at night (27%), just before starting work (24%) or when getting ready for bed (24%)
23% of those who are stressed at work feel it from the moment they wake up, according to OnePoll.com research.
But no matter how hard they work, 74% say they could never work for someone else – and 61% of SME owners and decision makers believe their business will be in a better place in 12 months.
When asked what will ensure the smooth operation of their business in the coming year, 59% of respondents cited a reliable internet connection.
Steve Hackley, of Sky Business, added: “We have undertaken this research in order to better understand the challenges faced by businesses in the UK.
“We always want to know what companies need, so we can continue to tailor our products and services to suit them – knowing how the market thinks allows us to be a better provider.”