Well-being of micro-scale entrepreneurs, employees and enterprises

Introduction  In south-western Finland was implemented a project for micro-scale enterprises called "The Smallest Up, too" between 2009-2012. This presentation describes entrepreneurs' and employees' health, health habits, work and work environmental hazards, differences between entrepreneurs and employees as well as female and male entrepreneurs. Some examples of the improvements and their effects for entrepreneurs' well-being at work will be also introduced.    Methods  Data were gathered by SYTY2000® self assessment form focused on work, work environment, mental and physical health, and health habits during the workplace visits (n=78 micro-scale enterprises with 0-10 employees, 96 entrepreneurs, 104 employees) between 2009-2010. The second self assessment data to see the effects of advice given during workplace visits were gathered by phone interviews (n=83 entrepreneurs) during 2010-2011.     Results  Entrepreneurs had slightly more health symptoms and workplace health hazards than employees. Female entrepreneurs had less problems than male entrepreneurs. Roughly third of entrepreneurs have made changes linked to work, work environment, physical and mental health, and health habits. They also felt that their physical and mental health had improved thanks to good advice and support from the project. Over half of entrepreneurs have done no improvements because of the busy. Few entrepreneurs had met negative changes because of the economic regression.     Discussion  Motivated entrepreneurs make improvements if they receive good advice and support how to make them. Many work related health hazards are tied to the entrepreneurs' well-being at work, which are essential for the productivity and the continuity of the enterprise.