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People typically associate health risks with diet, exercise, smoking or chronic illness. But there's another risk factor that's getting little attention these days and that runs as deep as the physical and mental toll of being a business owner.
Entrepreneurship is linked to innovation, independence and financial opportunity. But for the people behind many successful businesses there are many hours of hard work, financial uncertainty and a great deal of personal responsibility.
New studies indicate that the effects of the pressure on health could be far-reaching.
According to research from Simply Business, more than half (56%) of UK small business owners reported experiencing poor mental health during the previous 12 months. The study also found that one in three business owners regularly worked more than 46 hours per week, while many reported difficulties with sleep and recovery.
The same research found:
These findings suggest that the demands of entrepreneurship may create unique pressures that extend beyond the workplace.
Sources: Simply Business Mental Health Research, Mental Health UK.
Burnout has emerged as one of the most common challenges facing business owners.
Recent UK data indicates that approximately 2.4 million small business owners reported feeling burnt out, with larger small-business employers reporting even higher levels of stress and mental health challenges.
Mental Health UK has previously reported that four in five small business owners experience symptoms associated with poor mental health several times throughout the year.
While entrepreneurship can be rewarding, experts increasingly recognise that prolonged stress without adequate recovery can have serious consequences.
Sources: Workplace Journal, Mental Health UK.
The health impact of prolonged stress extends beyond mental wellbeing.
Research consistently links chronic stress to:
Many entrepreneurs report sacrificing exercise, holidays, and recovery time during periods of business growth, often creating a cycle that can further increase stress levels.
The World Health Organization officially recognised burnout as an occupational phenomenon, describing it as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO).
Unlike employees, business owners frequently carry responsibility for:
This combination of responsibilities can create a unique form of pressure that is difficult to switch off outside working hours.
Research from AXA's SME Wellbeing Report found that many business owners regularly experience anxiety about the future of their businesses, with stress levels increasing alongside organisational responsibility and financial risk.
Supporting founder wellbeing is not only a health issue it is also an economic issue.
According to UK government statistics, there were approximately 5.7 million private sector businesses operating in the UK at the start of 2025. Small and medium-sized enterprises accounted for 99.85% of all businesses, employed approximately 16.9 million people, and generated around 2.8 trillion in annual turnover.
Given the critical role entrepreneurs play in job creation and economic growth, improving founder wellbeing may have benefits that extend beyond individual health outcomes.
Source: UK Department for Business and Trade Business Population Estimates.
According to Robert Engeham, Managing Director of Your Company Formations, company formation specialists:
"Many entrepreneurs focus entirely on growing their businesses while neglecting their own wellbeing. In reality, the health of a business is often closely linked to the health of its founder. Building sustainable businesses requires sustainable habits."
Health professionals increasingly encourage business owners to view wellbeing as part of their business strategy rather than a personal luxury.
Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, structured downtime, delegation, and support networks can all play an important role in reducing the risk of burnout.
Entrepreneurship remains one of the most important drivers of innovation, employment, and economic growth.
However, as awareness of founder wellbeing grows, there is increasing recognition that supporting entrepreneurs also means supporting their health.
The most successful businesses may ultimately be built not by those who work the longest hours, but by those who create sustainable habits that allow them to perform consistently over the long term.
Robert Engeham is Managing Director of Your Company Formations, UK company formation specialists, supporting entrepreneurs and growing businesses with company registration, compliance support, registered office services, and business administration solutions.