New research1 released today backs the wellbeing and business benefits of personal travel for small business owners. The issue is important as challenges continue to mount on Australia’s small business community in light of inflation, supply chain pressures, labour shortages and the continued volatility surrounding COVID-19.

47% of Australian small business owners2 say their mental health and wellbeing have suffered as they weren’t able to take time off for a holiday during the pandemic. Testament to just how critical recharging one’s batteries is, findings reveal 77% of small business owners say personal travel positively impacts their outlook and ability to run their business.

Key findings include:

  • 63% of small business owners believe personal travel helps them make better business decisions.
  • 66% agree they feel rejuvenated after a holiday and consequently take fewer sick days off work.
  • They also feel more relaxed (60%), happier (57%) and more energised (53%) when returning to work.
  • 53% say that after a leisure trip they return to work feeling more productive or inspired.
  • 72% say personal travel enables them to bring fresher thinking to their business, which helps them innovate and grow, with 26% citing increased creativity.
  • Personal travel momentum is building, with 87% planning at least one domestic holiday this year or next. 68% of small business owners are planning an international trip.

“Taking a break is vital for mental health and wellbeing and sadly this isn’t something Aussie small business owners have generally been able to do over the last few years,” said Dan Gregory, behavioural researcher and strategist, and Founder of The Behaviour Report.

“While some small business owners may think there’s too much on their plate to step away at the moment, they should consider taking a trip, not only for their own wellbeing, but for the business benefits that will come from the time off.

“When thinking about the drivers that move us and lift us, travel helps us relax and detach; it stimulates our senses in new ways, allows us to connect and, just as importantly, to separate ourselves physically and emotionally from the day-to-day grind of our work. This puts small business owners in a better frame of mind when they return to work, helping them to spot opportunities, tackle challenges with a fresh perspective and be better set up for success.”

He noted that most small business owners are aware of what they’ve missed by not taking a holiday: the loss of connection and inspiration and the effects this has had on their mental wellbeing and outlook towards their business.

“There’s something in Australians’ nature that drives us at a cultural level to travel and explore to make us the best versions of ourselves,” he added. “Even increasing costs, rolling delays and cancellations seem preferable to the idea of not travelling at all.”

Leah Cameron, owner of Marrawah Law  in Tasmania, said she valued her break-time and during the pandemic that simply didn’t exist.

“For me, getting away somewhere is the only time I can really down tools and refocus,” she said. “Your mind just stops and you can broaden your thinking beyond the day-to-day. I always try to go to new and challenging locations, as this is where I can completely reset. Immersing myself in different cultures makes my brain think in different ways and this inspires me to do the same when I return to work.”

About the research

1 The research was commissioned by Ogilvy PR on behalf of American Express  Business Class and was conducted by Lonergan Research in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard. Lonergan Research surveyed 517 small business leaders in Australia aged 18+. Surveys were distributed throughout Australia including both capital city and non-capital city areas. The survey was conducted online amongst members of a permission-based panel, between 6 and 13 June 2022. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Age groups are defined as Gen Z (ages 18-24), Millennial (ages 25-39), Gen X (ages 40-59), and Baby Boomer (ages 60+).

2 Small business owner/manager is defined as someone who owns or manages a business with up to 19 employees.