Work vs. life: why you need holidays
- Donna Page
- 17 November 2009
The days when Australia virtually closed down for the entire month of January are long gone, with many owner-operators lucky to get Christmas Day off. It brings to the fore the dilemma between lifestyle and profit.
There is no doubt holidays are good for us - studies have linked overwork with anxiety, depression and workplace accidents. But according to small business coach Heidi Shannon, of BusiWizard Training and Coaching Services, less than 10 per cent of small business owners she assists factor in "decent breaks".
All work and no play
The image of the laid-back Australian that has existed since paid holidays were introduced in 1941 (one paid week a year, which became four weeks paid leave by 1973) is no longer the norm. And the situation, says Shannon, is even worse when you look at small businesses.
"A lot of people do not take any days off," she says. "They will work six days a week in the business and then spend the seventh day doing bookwork. They don't factor in that the day-to-day duties of running a small business are exhausting and that they need to create boundaries and take time out for themselves."
"You need to have systems and reporting in place to ensure work is done when you are not there,"
Shannon says outsourcing and delegation are crucial and owners need to systemise their operations so the business runs repetitively. "It should not matter who comes in, you can delegate things to be done daily, weekly and monthly," she says.
Balancing act
The experts aren't only worried about the physical health implications of overwork. Other areas of concern include diminished relationships, fewer personal interests and an over-reliance on career for self-worth.
Managing director of Managing Work/Life Balance International
, Barbara Holmes, says many small business owners feel they can't take a break. Holmes, who has more than 25 years experience as a human resources consultant, says regular breaks are essential for well being, clear thinking
and being able to drive the business forward.
Holmes says for small business owners it's a question of balance. If lengthy breaks are not possible in the beginning, she suggests getting away for extended weekends.
Get a life
The benefits of holidays are well documented. A 2003 report commissioned by public-policy research centre, Australia Institute, claims people who don't take leave risk greater alcohol and cigarette consumption, unhealthy weight gain, disrupted eating and sleeping patterns, fertility and cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal and psychological disorders and relationship breakdown.
Empower Business Solutions chief executive officer Dr Greg Chapman says the majority of small businesses depend on owners to drive success. Chapman says most small business owners are micro-managers and take on all the responsibility themselves.
"You need to have systems and reporting in place to ensure work is done when you are not there," he says.
"Those with good systems are able to take breaks and the business does not suffer."
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Top five ways to take a break with a clear conscience
- Start with the intention to take regular holidays, write it into your business plan.
- Budget and plan time out each year, ensure you have the cash flow to take a break.
- Manage your time strategically and establish systems so the business is run repetitively
- Delegate and outsource
- Monitor staff performance and provide training. #
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