The Culture of Long Working Hours Among British Business Owners

Entrepreneurs in the UK are notoriously known for their long working hours, often exceeding those of their European counterparts. A recent survey conducted by financial technology company SumUp reveals that British business owners work longer hours and take fewer holidays compared to entrepreneurs in France, Germany, and Ireland. This trend is not surprising, as many entrepreneurs view long hours as essential for driving success and demonstrating their commitment to their ventures. The survey, which gathered responses from 3,763 businesses across these countries, found that over 40% of British business owners work more than 40 hours a week, with nearly a third admitting to working up to 60 hours. A small but significant minority—about one in ten—work more than 60 hours a week. In contrast, only 15% of French entrepreneurs reported working more than 40 hours a week.

The Glorification of Long Hours: A Double-Edged Sword

While long hours are often seen as a badge of honor in the entrepreneurial world, the glorification of constant work can have serious consequences. Corin Carmenisch, Product Marketing Lead at SumUp, highlights the risks of burnout and physical symptoms that can arise from excessive work. “Running a small business requires hard graft, passion, and a willingness to go above and beyond, but without looking after yourself, you can quickly burn out,” she warns. Despite these dangers, many entrepreneurs embrace the long-hours culture, particularly in the early stages of building a business. Thom Groot, CEO and co-founder of The Electric Car Scheme, recalls working 80-hour weeks when his company first launched, though this has since decreased to around 60 hours.

For some entrepreneurs, the long hours are not just a necessity but also a source of fulfillment. Joanna Jensen, founder of skincare brand Childs Farm, sold her company for nearly £40 million in 2022. She doesn’t view her long hours as "work" in the traditional sense but rather as a labor of love. “When you’re working hard to achieve your goal, it’s not really work—it’s fun!” she says. However, she acknowledges the sacrifices involved, such as limited time with family and personal well-being.

Beyond the "Hustle": The Importance of Balance

While long hours may be necessary in the early days of a startup, there comes a point where they can become counterproductive. Thom Groot emphasizes the need for balance, stating, “There is a point where it becomes counterproductive. Either you become burnt out, or in the last hour of work, you don’t do your best work.” This sentiment is echoed by John Mackin, co-founder of the Business Scale Academy, who distinguishes between the amount of time worked and the actual progress made. “What matters is knowing your key milestones and having a clear plan for reaching them,” he says. Mackin advocates for strategic decision-making and high-level actions that can drive growth without requiring excessive hours.

Claire Crompton, founder of TAL Agency, agrees. Her company has reduced physical office days to just one a week, and she believes in working smarter, not harder. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing tasks and delegating effectively to avoid wasting time on non-essential activities. While the early stages of a business may require extra effort, entrepreneurs must eventually learn to delegate and trust their teams to maintain a sustainable work-life balance.

Scaling Effectively: The Key to Sustainability

As businesses grow, the ability to scale effectively becomes crucial. John Mackin stresses the importance of hiring, outsourcing, or forming partnerships to share the workload. Without a structured approach to scaling, entrepreneurs risk hitting their limits and burning out. “If there’s no plan for expanding and delegating, pushing longer hours won’t be sustainable,” he warns. Similarly, Thom Groot highlights the importance of trusting and empowering team members to take on responsibilities, allowing founders to focus on strategic decisions rather than day-to-day tasks.

Claire Crompton adds that regular workload reviews, setting boundaries (such as switching off notifications outside office hours), and building trust in delegated tasks are essential for maintaining balance. These practices not only help entrepreneurs avoid burnout but also foster a healthier and more productive work environment.

The Future of Work: Rethinking the Long-Hours Culture

The long-hours culture among British business owners reflects a broader societal attitude toward work and success. However, as awareness of mental health and well-being grows, there is a growing recognition of the need to redefine what it means to be successful. Joanna Jensen’s story, while inspiring, also highlights the personal sacrifices that often accompany entrepreneurial journeys. While she views her hard work as worthwhile, her experiences serve as a reminder of the high cost of constant overwork.

As the business landscape evolves, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability—not just in terms of environmental impact but also in terms of personal and professional well-being. Entrepreneurs like Groot, Mackin, and Crompton are leading the charge in rethinking the long-hours culture, advocating for a more balanced approach that prioritizes productivity, delegation, and self-care. By challenging the misconception that long hours are the sole measure of success, they are paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In conclusion, while long hours may still be a reality for many British business owners, the conversation is shifting toward a more mindful approach to work. By embracing smarter working practices, delegating effectively, and prioritizing well-being, entrepreneurs can build successful businesses without sacrificing their health or happiness. The future of entrepreneurship lies in finding a balance between hard work and holistic success.