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Almost three quarters (73 per cent) of UK small and medium-sized enterprises expect to grow in the next 12 months, according to new research by Aviva. Yet, the insurer warns that rising workloads and administrative pressures could hinder that progress and affect wellbeing across the UK’s SME workforce.
The findings, based on a Censuswide survey of 500 SME decision-makers, show that 77 per cent of business leaders are now taking on responsibilities beyond their main job at least once a week. Tasks such as financial planning (38 per cent), sales and marketing (38 per cent) and managing HR issues (36 per cent) were cited among the most time-consuming.
Almost one in five respondents said they have “nowhere near” enough time to complete everything in a working day; a pattern likely to impact stress levels and work-life balance. Aviva’s data highlights a growing need for SMEs to access external expertise and risk management support, freeing up leaders to focus on growth and people.
Rebecca Gambrell, Managing Director for SME and Delegated Authorities at Aviva, said: “SMEs are vital to our communities, so it’s uplifting to see their confidence in the future. However, growth often brings a heavier workload and new challenges, at a time when business owners are already managing multiple demands.”
Aviva says insurance brokers can play a wider advisory role in helping SMEs manage risks such as compliance, business continuity and employee wellbeing, yet fewer than a third (32 per cent) currently seek broker support on risk management.
For workplace wellbeing providers, the findings underline the pressure facing SME owners and the growing business case for integrated wellbeing support. As workloads rise, accessible wellbeing services; from stress management to legal and HR advice, are becoming essential tools for sustainable growth.
