Work-life balance is a real challenge for workshop owners, notes Capricorn Group CEO, David Fraser

When was the last time you got away from the workshop and spent some uninterrupted time with your family and friends? Or when was the last time you locked the workshop door at 5.00pm and went home?
This year’s State of the Nation survey reveals that many of you are really struggling to take time off and manage some kind of work-life balance. In fact, these were the top two challenges Members said they faced in running an auto business.
Taking time off and having balance in your life should be non-negotiables for any business owner. Downing tools, shutting up shop, and spending time doing something other than working are vital for your physical and mental health.
You need rest. You need time to recharge your batteries. Taking a holiday is not a “nice to have;” it is essential. Pay yourself with time off in the way that you pay your electricity bill or your lease. Plan ahead, book it in, and pay yourself on time.
It is possible. I am reminded of the Ignition article we ran last month with Caroline Langan-Minca of His’n’Hers Automotive in Victoria (this article is available on CapHub if you missed it). She and her husband, Craig, prioritise work-life balance, juggling the workshop’s opening hours between each other and around the school drop-off and pick-up. They stopped working Saturdays. They trained their customers to know the workshop shuts at 5.00pm on the dot.
The latest Capricorn State of the Nation report covers this information in more depth, along with many other fascinating topics related to the automotive industry and you can access it at
cap.coop/son-22. We hope this report can help you to have a better understanding of where we are and what the future looks like.
Yours in cooperation,
David Fraser
Group CEO – Capricorn Society Ltd

For more on Capricorn Society membership, visit www.capricorn.coop