Capitalise, the small business platform that gives small businesses and their adviser transparency and control over their business finance all in one place, have released the Get Fit for Business report, which tracks how business leaders are coping mentally and physically, and also how their professional and personal relationships and financial numbers are shaping up.
The report revealed that three-quarters (75 per cent) of UK business leaders have felt a surge in confidence after navigating the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, when asked about their health and wellbeing, 83 per cent agreed that they do their best work when they’ve had enough sleep and are eating and exercising well. But, 71 per cent said that working from home has left them feeling less physically fit.
The report also revealed that 78 per cent of business leaders have increased investment in the health and wellbeing of their team, knowing that this creates a happier and more productive workforce. Especially as 30 per cent said that keeping their team motivated was their biggest concern – this figure increased for healthcare, retail and transport sectors, which is understandable given the pressures placed on these industries during the pandemic.
When asked about attitudes to their future, over three quarters said that they are feeling optimistic about 2022. Additionally, 58 per cent said that they are planning to engage with a business mentor in 2022, and 38 per cent actively want to better understand their financial health.
This optimism arrives after two years of battling lockdowns and uncertainty, and as a result, three quarters of business leaders said that they have hidden stress from their team during this time. Similarly, 71 per cent said that they feel less physically fit after working from home in recent years, and 76 per cent still aren’t eating healthily enough.
Acting as expert advisor for this report, Derick Evans MBE (AKA Mr Motivator), the British fitness instructor, commented: “Getting up and being active is the first step to a healthier lifestyle and positive mental outlook, but often that first step can be the hardest. Leaders of busy businesses are regularly strapped for time and energy, but even just standing up and sitting down every hour is enough to get your blood circulating. Sometimes a few minutes of deep breathing between meetings is all it takes to focus your thoughts.
Just like how business leaders demonstrate care for their employees, and bravery in boardrooms, they need to start taking care of themselves. Business leaders: check in with your people but also check in with yourself. Pick up the phone just to ask someone how they’re doing and if they ask you the same question, be honest in your answer. Getting fit for business is a team sport.”
Also commenting on the research findings, Minister for Small Business, Paul Scully MP, said: “Small businesses, operating under difficult circumstances, have performed incredibly well during the past two years. I am pleased to see the biggest priority for small business leaders remains expansion and growth, crucial for jobs in local areas, and the economy.
“I am also encouraged to see more focus on staff wellbeing. This ensures a healthier and more productive workforce, who are the backbone of the British economy.”
