Small Business Leaders Can Save 77 Workdays by Delegating Tasks

A recent survey by Upwork reveals that small and medium-sized business leaders in the U.S. spend an average of 30% of their work time on non-core tasks, equating to about 77 workdays each year. This overextension leads to significant burnout, with 73% of leaders reporting exhaustion and 43% missing growth opportunities. The survey highlights that engaging independent talent for tasks like customer support and administrative work can help leaders refocus on strategic initiatives and personal development. The findings underscore the importance of delegation in enhancing productivity and reducing stress for business leaders.

Key Details: • Survey conducted in November 2025 with 2,272 small business leaders. • Leaders in technology and marketing spend the most time on non-core tasks, averaging 36%. • 17% of leaders spend over half their time on non-core responsibilities. • Common non-core tasks include customer support (19%) and administrative tasks (18%). • Delegating tasks can help leaders reclaim focus and improve business outcomes.