Which European country’s small business owners work the hardest?

The Backbone of the European Economy: Small Business Entrepreneurs

Small business owners are the lifeblood of the European economy, with micro and small enterprises comprising a staggering 99% of all businesses in the EU, according to Eurostat. These entrepreneurs are not just numerous; they are also the hardest working, often clocking in at least 41 hours a week, far exceeding the EU average of 36 hours for employees. A recent study by fintech company SumUp, which surveyed nearly 4,000 small business owners across Ireland, Italy, the UK, Germany, and France, reveals stark differences in their daily work habits, from lunch breaks to self-care routines. This article delves into these differences, offering a glimpse into the lives of Europe’s entrepreneurial workforce.

Lunch Breaks: A Luxury or a Necessity?

When it comes to lunch breaks, there is a clear divide between entrepreneurs in different countries. In the UK, a remarkable 43% of small business owners rarely take lunch breaks, a far cry from their Italian and French counterparts, where only 11% and 17%, respectively, skip this midday pause. Italians, in particular, seem to cherish their lunchtime, with 33% admitting to taking breaks that last over an hour. The French follow suit at 15%, while Germans (12%) and Irish (6%) are more modest in their lunch break durations. At the bottom of the list are British entrepreneurs, with a mere 5% taking extended lunch breaks. This raises an important question: is skipping lunch a sign of dedication or a recipe for burnout?

Self-Care: A Priority for Some, Not for All

Self-care is another area where entrepreneurs across Europe differ significantly. British entrepreneurs seem to prioritize family time over self-care, with 38% choosing to spend their free time with loved ones, while only 34% make self-care a priority. In contrast, self-care is a more prominent part of the routine for entrepreneurs in other countries. The Irish dedicate 38% of their time to self-care, while the French (41%), Germans (47%), and Italians (52%) place an even greater emphasis on personal well-being. This disparity highlights a potential issue for British entrepreneurs, who may be overlooking the importance of self-care in maintaining their mental and physical health. SumUp’s Product Marketing lead, Corin Camenisch, notes that the UK’s small business community has faced unprecedented challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the cost of living crisis, which may have left many owners struggling to stay afloat. However, Camenisch also warns that neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and physical symptoms, emphasizing the need for a healthier work-life balance.

Working Hours: Where Does Your Country Stand?

The length of the working week varies significantly across Europe, with entrepreneurs in some countries putting in far more hours than others. According to Eurostat data, Belgian entrepreneurs top the list, working an average of 48.9 hours per week, followed closely by Cypriots (47.5 hours) and Greeks (47.3 hours). At the other end of the spectrum, entrepreneurs in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania work the fewest hours, averaging 37.8, 38.8, and 39.3 hours per week, respectively. While UK entrepreneurs are not included in Eurostat’s data, SumUp’s research suggests that 41% of British small business owners work more than 40 hours a week, with 10% clocking in over 60 hours. These long hours raise concerns about work-life balance and the potential for burnout among Europe’s entrepreneurial community.

Holidays: Taking a Break from Business

When it comes to taking time off, British entrepreneurs are the most likely to take fewer than one week’s holiday, with 13.8% admitting to this. However, this figure is not drastically higher than those in other countries, where the rates are 12% for France, 11.9% for Italy, 11.1% for Germany, and 8.1% for Ireland. While these numbers suggest a relatively consistent approach to holidays across Europe, there is a notable gender gap in some countries. In Italy, for example, female entrepreneurs are 9.1% more likely than their male counterparts to sacrifice their holidays for work, while in Ireland, this gap is 6.3%. These findings highlight the ongoing challenges faced by women in business, who often juggle multiple responsibilities and may feel pressure to prioritize work over personal time.

Conclusion: The Importance of Work-Life Balance

The SumUp study paints a vivid picture of the diverse ways in which small business owners across Europe approach their work and personal lives. From the lunch breaks that are cherished in Italy to the long working hours endured by entrepreneurs in Belgium, each country has its unique culture when it comes to balancing work and well-being. However, the data also reveals a concerning trend: the glorification of constant work and the potential for burnout. As Camenisch notes, looking after oneself is essential for avoiding the physical and mental toll of overwork. By recognizing these differences and addressing the challenges they present, we can better support Europe’s small business owners, ensuring they remain the thriving backbone of the economy for years to come.