Technology keeping small firm owners working

Nearly nine in every ten smaller firms believe that they have mastered the use of technology - but many owners find difficulty in switching off after work.

Research from Hiscox, the specialist business insurer, found that 38 per cent of small firm owners are still struggling to clock off after their shift because of the expansion of technology.

Furthermore, 37 per cent of those questioned said that they believe that working off duty hours is intrusive into their own personal livelihoods.

Alan Thomas, small business insurance expert at Hiscox, said that the pressure of maintaining a high level of performance within a business is keeping people switched on for longer.

"Thanks to the reliance on, and access to technology, SMEs have become masters of technology but slaves to their work, and it's no surprise they are leading a lifestyle where they are 'always on," he added.

It comes after the Office for National Statistics revealed that the number of self-employed people grew by 367,000 between 2008 and last year.

Posted by Emily Smith

Date published 7 Feb 2013 | Last updated 7 Feb 2013