Here's how small business owners can take time off without feeling guilty

Small business owners (SBOs) are navigating a rapidly transforming world. Walmart Business surveyed 500 SBOs across the US to find out how they feel about their business growth prospects, their daily challenges, and whether they feel like they can maintain a healthy work-life balance. While 96% of SBOs are satisfied with their roles, many admitted to their inability to disconnect from work, even while on vacation, which causes them to experience feelings of burnout.

Here's why SBOs aren't taking enough paid time off (PTO), and what can be done to fix that.

The Vacation Conundrum

Dealing with the typical day-to-day challenges leaves little time for SBOs to step away from their work. Only about a quarter of respondents felt they took enough vacation time. The majority don't because they're too worried about the repercussions their absence might have on their businesses. And when they do take time off, most can't help cracking open their laptops to check in on their business. Only 30% of SBOs said they can completely unplug while on vacation.

Winning Time Back

Fortunately, the survey highlighted areas where SBOs can optimize and reclaim their time. For instance, 97% spend a portion of each day on administrative and operational tasks that they can delegate or outsource. If they have employees, they can empower their teams to take on the responsibilities of critical tasks like ordering supplies. Solo entrepreneurs can turn to outside resources for support in areas that may be outside their expertise, such as accounting or marketing. Many respondents said they do turn to their fellow small business owners for help and advice. They stressed the importance of community and shared experience in helping them tackle the unique challenges of running a small business.

The Road Ahead

Optimism abounds among SBOs. As one respondent said, "No one gets the benefit of your hard work more than you." But they also realize that pursuing their business dreams can sometimes come at the expense of a healthy work-life balance. By leaning into the right support and the right tools, SBOs can achieve that coveted balance.

Learn more about Walmart Business here.

This post was created by Walmart Business with Insider Studios.