New research has found that over half of self-employed workers in the UK keep going when they are ill because they’re worried about losing income.
A new study by SME insurer Markel Direct suggests that overworking among UK small business owners is commonplace and, in many cases, it is negatively affecting their health. The findings show that 40% of people that work for themselves say their work schedule has negatively impacted their health or wellbeing.
The survey of 1,000 UK small business owners and sole traders has found that:
- 57% say they work through an illness, due to the fear of losing income or clients;
- 32% say they rarely take sick days;
- 10% say they never take a sick day;
- 44% admit that they regularly skip medical appointments, self-care or exercise because of workload demands.
The challenge of being “always-on”
A common theme for small business owners is the pressure of being “always-on”; 52% of respondents say that they find it difficult to switch off from work at the end of the day. This seems to be fuelled by demand, as 40% of respondents say their clients often expect them to be reachable outside their normal hours.
Taking holidays is particularly challenging for those that run their own business, it seems. Four in ten of those polled say they have cancelled a holiday or cut it short due to work commitments. What’s more, one in six say they haven’t taken a full week off for over a year.
Freelancer burnout is widespread
Four in ten respondents say they have experienced burnout while running their business; and 37% say they have considered giving up their businesses altogether due to stress and exhaustion.
However, despite the pressures, stress and sacrifices, most self-employed workers remain committed to the path they’ve chosen and say they are ultimately happier. An overwhelming 75% of respondents say that they enjoy being their own boss. Seven in ten find self-employment more rewarding than traditional employment and it offers them more flexibility.
“Small businesses remain the backbone of the UK economy, and our study showcases the resilience and passion of the self‑employed nationwide. While burnout – and the demands of running a business – present real challenges, most remain committed to their choice, finding greater fulfilment and happiness working for themselves.” Rob Rees, divisional director, Markel Direct.
How to prevent burnout in 2026
Burnout isn’t always easy to identify, says chartered psychologist Dr Katie Barge. “Although it comes with a lot of perks, such as more flexibility, self-employment often also comes with financial uncertainty, blurred work-life boundaries, and a strong sense of personal responsibility for outcomes. These constant pressures, particularly when handled alone, create sustained cognitive and emotional load, which increases vulnerability to exhaustion and disengagement.”
To help self-employed workers manage stress levels and prevent burnout, Dr Barge recommends the following strategies:
- Establish fixed working hours and protect them.
- Don’t skip lunch and take regular breaks to prevent cognitive overload and maintain focus.
- Make time for restorative activities, such as exercise, time outdoors, mindfulness or creative hobbies.
Written by Rachel Miller.
