Three-quarters of small-business owners suffer from a work-related ailment, mostly stemming from stress, according to a new study from insurer Hiscox USA.
The poll, which surveyed over 1,000 businesses with up to 249 employees found that 25 percent felt stressed. Of contributing factors, 54 percent were worried about losing their business, 51 percent were stressed over losing clients and customers and 49 percent were worried about acquiring new business. In contrast, only 41 percent said they were concerned about their deteriorating health versus the concerns related to their businesses.
Of those with physical and mental symptoms, 33 percent reported fatigue, 32 percent had headaches, 30 percent suffered from back pain and 29 percent struggled with anxiety.
Despite some improvements in the economy, 43 percent said that they are more stressed today than they were 12 months ago, with 42 percent claiming they are facing the same business risks that they were dealing with a year ago.
That increased anxiety, however, isn't always rooted in problems, as nearly 30 percent of respondents said their stress was from a new surge in clients. Additionally, 69 percent of those surveyed are prepared to tackle business challenges and 57 percent expect their business to grow in the coming year.