Table of Contents
For many entrepreneurs, disconnecting from work is easier said than done.
According to a Small Business Expo Research Desk survey of 523 small business owners, 69.6% say it is at least moderately difficult to disconnect from their business. More than one-third describe disconnecting as very or extremely difficult.
The findings suggest that for many entrepreneurs, business ownership extends well beyond traditional working hours. And while there are likely many reasons for that reality, additional survey results point to growing pressure to remain available and responsive in an increasingly connected business environment.
Highlights
- 69.6% say disconnecting from their business is at least moderately difficult
- 34.2% say disconnecting is very or extremely difficult
- 80.3% feel pressure to be available outside business hours at least sometimes
- 44.0% feel that pressure frequently or constantly
- 70.2% believe customers expect faster responses than they did a few years ago
The Challenge of Leaving Work Behind
When asked how difficult it is to disconnect from their business, nearly seven in ten respondents said they struggle to unplug at least to some degree. More notably, 34.2% said disconnecting is very or extremely difficult, while only 14.5% reported that disconnecting is not difficult.
The findings highlight one of the less visible realities of entrepreneurship. Unlike many traditional jobs, business ownership often carries a level of responsibility that does not end when the workday is over.
Operational issues, customer concerns, employee questions, financial decisions, and future planning can all continue to demand attention outside standard business hours.
Many Business Owners Feel Pressure to Stay Available
The survey suggests that difficulty disconnecting from work may be tied, at least in part, to the expectation of ongoing availability.
When asked how often they feel pressure to be available outside normal business hours, 80.3% said they experience that pressure at least sometimes, and nearly half (44.0%) said they feel that pressure frequently or constantly.
These results indicate that after-hours accessibility has become a common reality for many entrepreneurs. Whether the source is customers, employees, vendors, or internal expectations, many business owners appear to feel that remaining reachable is simply part of the job.
Customer Expectations May Be Contributing
According to the survey, 70.2% of business owners believe customers expect faster responses than they did just a few years ago. Research has consistently found that responsiveness plays an important role in customer satisfaction and customer experience.¹ ² As a result, many business owners may feel pressure to remain connected even after normal business hours have ended.
Whether customers are reaching out through email, text messages, social media, website forms, or online chat, the number of communication channels available today makes it easier than ever for customers to expect quick responses.
Technology Has Made It Harder to Unplug
Modern business owners can manage significant portions of their operations from a smartphone. Scheduling platforms, payment systems, messaging apps, collaboration tools, and social media accounts allow entrepreneurs to stay connected almost anywhere.
These technologies create substantial benefits for businesses and customers alike. But they can also make it harder to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time.
Final Takeaway
Entrepreneurship may offer flexibility, but the survey suggests it doesn’t always offer separation.
Nearly 70% of small business owners struggle to unplug, and many feel pressure to remain available long after business hours have ended. As communication becomes faster and customer expectations continue to evolve, disconnecting from work appears to be one of the most persistent challenges facing today’s entrepreneurs.
Footnotes
- Hubspot. Customer Service Trends Report. https://www.hubspot.com/customer-service/customer-service-trends
- Salesforce. State of the Connected Customer. https://www.salesforce.com/resources/research-reports/state-of-the-connected-customer
Related: 65.8% of Small Business Owners Say It’s Not Just About the Money