Work-related stress has affected the health or personal relationships of 87% of Manchester business leaders who responded to a new Vistage poll.
The findings were gathered at Vistage’s Manchester Listening Tour and paint a picture of business owners determined to grow while managing significant personal pressure.
More than seven in 10 respondents said high levels of stress were normal in their role, while 22% described their stress as unsustainable or said they were close to breaking point.
“Manchester’s business leaders are determined to grow and take their businesses forward, but that ambition often comes with significant personal sacrifices.”
Emma van Rooyen, Managing Director, Vistage UK & Ireland
Weak demand, rising costs and recruitment shortages were the most commonly cited business challenges. Nearly seven in 10 respondents said government policy pressures were affecting their businesses.
Despite this, 77% said they were optimistic or cautiously optimistic about 2027. The poll was conducted using Slido at Vistage’s Manchester Listening Tour, with response numbers ranging from 68 to 87 depending on the question.
