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Writer's pictureSME CofE

10 Ways to Maintain Work-Life Balance When Running an SME

Running a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in the UK can be incredibly rewarding, but it often comes with its own set of challenges—one of the biggest being maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With endless tasks and responsibilities, it’s easy to let work take over. However, finding balance is crucial for your well-being and your business's long-term success. Here are 10 ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your SME.


1. Set Clear Boundaries

Defining your work hours and sticking to them is essential. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that as a business owner, you must be available 24/7. Setting clear boundaries will not only help you switch off but also set expectations for clients and employees.


work time

2. Delegate Tasks

As a business owner, it’s tempting to try and do everything yourself, but this can quickly lead to burnout. Learning to delegate tasks to employees or outsourcing certain functions (like accounting or marketing) can free up your time to focus on the bigger picture.


delegate tasks

3. Use Time Management Tools

Productivity tools like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Teams can help you stay organised and on top of your schedule. By prioritising tasks and using time-blocking methods, you can manage your workload more effectively, ensuring you have time to step away from work.


time management

4. Prioritise Self-Care

Taking care of your health should be a top priority. Incorporating daily exercise, eating healthily, and ensuring you get enough sleep will not only improve your physical health but also your mental well-being, which is essential when managing the pressures of running an SME.


self care

5. Plan Regular Breaks

Taking regular breaks is key to avoiding burnout. Step away from your desk for short walks or relaxation breaks during the day. Also, make sure you schedule longer holidays to recharge and come back with fresh perspectives for your business.


regular breaks

6. Set Realistic Goals

It’s important to set realistic, achievable goals for both your business and personal life. By having a clear direction for your SME, you can avoid overworking yourself while striving to meet unrealistic expectations.


SMART targets

7. Learn to Say No

Not every opportunity is worth pursuing. Learning to say "no" to certain meetings, projects, or commitments can prevent you from overloading your schedule and allow you to focus on the most important aspects of your business.


8. Automate Where Possible

Automating routine tasks can save you time and energy. Whether it’s scheduling social media posts, automating payroll, or using customer relationship management (CRM) software, tech solutions can streamline your operations, freeing up more personal time.


CRM automation

9. Involve Family and Friends

It’s important to keep family and friends in the loop about your business commitments. By involving them in your entrepreneurial journey, they can better understand your time constraints and offer support when needed.


10. Seek Support

Running an SME can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Seek out business networks or mentoring programmes, like those offered by the SME Centre of Excellence, to gain advice, support, and guidance from like-minded professionals. Sometimes, just talking to others in similar situations can help you strike a better work-life balance.




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