As many prepare to wind down for the festive season, new research highlights the growing pressures facing small business owners across the UK — with burnout, guilt over time off and mental health concerns increasingly common.
A survey of 250 sole traders and small business owners by business insurance experts at MoneySuperMarket found that 42 per cent feel burnt out by the end of the year, while one in three (33 per cent) say running a business has negatively affected their mental health in 2025.
The research shows that the festive period is far from a break for many entrepreneurs. For more than a third of business owners (35 per cent), the stretch between Christmas and New Year represents a key trading window, putting added pressure on those weighing up whether they can afford to switch off.
Although just over half (51 per cent) plan to close their businesses during the festive period, one in five say they will feel guilty about taking time off, reflecting the emotional burden many owners carry alongside financial responsibility.
The findings also suggest that a significant minority will not stop at all. One in 15 business owners, equivalent to around 385,000 people nationwide, expect to work on Christmas Day, underlining how difficult it can be for small firms to fully disconnect.
Despite the challenges, many business owners are determined to make changes in the year ahead. More than half (51 per cent) said they are setting resolutions to improve their work-life balance as they head into 2026.
When asked how they plan to do this, the most popular intentions were: setting stricter working hours (47 per cent) and delegating more tasks to reclaim personal time (46 per cent)
The findings suggest a growing recognition among entrepreneurs that long-term sustainability depends not just on business performance, but also on personal wellbeing.
Alicia Hempsted, business insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said the results highlight the strain many small business owners face at the end of the year.
“Small business owners are the backbone of the UK economy, yet many find themselves stretched thin as the festive season approaches,” she said. “It’s positive to see more entrepreneurs focusing on balance in 2026, but the reality is that pressures remain high.
“Having the right support, from setting clear work-life boundaries to making sure you have the right business insurance, can help ease some of the strain and provide peace of mind if the unexpected happens.”
With burnout increasingly common and many owners struggling to truly switch off, the research suggests that while optimism for change exists, meaningful support and structural adjustments will be essential if small businesses are to enter 2026 healthier, more resilient and better balanced.
