Dom Joly, the comic genius behind Trigger Happy TV, has teamed up with Air Landline to create a side-splitting sketch that shines a light on the daily trials and tribulations of small business owners.
In 'true' Joly fashion, he portrays a frazzled entrepreneur, juggling a barrage of work calls and client requests while desperately trying to snatch a moment of tranquillity.
The skit, crafted in collaboration with Air Landline, injects a dose of humour into the serious issue of work-life balance that plagues many business owners.
This comes on the back of a survey commissioned by the virtual landline firm, which revealed that a staggering 16 per cent of respondents feel like they're tethered to their work 24/7.
Owning your own business is often seen as the ultimate goal. The freedom to set your own hours, make key decisions, and guide your business in the direction you see fit are certainly attractive aspects of being an entrepreneur.
However, they survey has revealed that the reality of running your own business can be far less glamorous, with significant impacts on mental health, relationships, and the ability to switch off from work.
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Getty Images)This relentless sense of duty is intensified by the pressure to respond quickly to messages received after working hours. According to the survey half of those surveyed confessed to replying within 30 minutes, if not instantly, to communications received outside traditional office hours.
Incidents like answering business calls during intimate moments such as family dinners, bathroom breaks, or even while attending a child's school function are all examples of how work-life boundaries have disappeared.
A representative for Air Landline outlined the challenges faced by small business owners, stating, "Being your own boss sounds fantastic in theory, but the reality is that it often means you're working even harder. You're not just managing the business; you're deeply involved in every decision, from the minor details to the overall strategy."
He noted: "As a result, small business owners often find themselves working during hours they should be spending on personal activities. Whether it's an important project that needs finishing or an issue that can't wait, the business needs constant attention, which means personal time often becomes an afterthought."
Astonishingly, 72% feel a pang of guilt if they even consider stepping away from their desks, with a shocking 20% not having enjoyed a holiday for over five years. Many said their fear of missing out is why they shy away from taking any time off.
Despite this want to be constantly involved, a wearied 13% report feeling totally drained, either physically or mentally, on a daily basis. Moreover, the survey exposed the devastating impact of being always-on when it comes to family and social life as considerable 41% of respondents confessed that their work-life imbalance had taken a toll on their relationships with loved ones.
Nonetheless, the research showed that two thirds acknowledged that a shift in their approach to work could lead towards a happier and healthier life. Suggested remedies included establishing set communication hours, delegating tasks, and utilising tools to many workloads more effectively.
A spokesperson from Dirty Jack, the creators of the skit, shared: "When we initially thought of doing a hidden camera stunt, we sort of daydreamed out loud, thinking how mental it would be if Dom Joly would ever get involved."
"A few months later, we thought, can't hurt to ask. Within 30 minutes of reaching out, I was chatting with Dom on a Zoom call, and two weeks later, we brainstormed the Air Landline stunt over a Sunday roast."
English (US) ·