Seven out of ten entrepreneurs have experienced signs of a mental health crisis in the past three years, and one in three shows symptoms of depression. Micro-entrepreneurs, a crucial group for economic development, pay a high emotional and health-related price for running their own businesses. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in October, Nest Bank is publishing the report "Entrepreneurs at Risk" to draw public and business owners’ attention to the importance of mental well-being. These efforts are being carried out in collaboration with expert partners: the Helping Hand platform and Synergion research company.
Micro-entrepreneurs: Essential but Overburdened
Despite their significant contribution to economic growth, micro-entrepreneurs face numerous professional and personal challenges daily. The report reveals that entrepreneurs are well aware of their vital role—88% of respondents confirm this. Notably, 80% of salaried employees also recognize that small and medium-sized enterprises drive the economy. One might assume that such an appreciated and self-aware group is thriving. However, this is far from the truth. Polish entrepreneurs feel undervalued and overwhelmed. 84% of entrepreneurs believe that business owners are not respected in Poland, and 74% of employees share this sentiment.
“The most distinctive characteristic of today’s micro-entrepreneurs is heavy workload and a lack of work-life balance. As a result, they rarely rest, lacking the space to recharge and gain perspective.” – Magdalena Zajkowska, Vice President of Nest Bank.
"This is why we launched the social campaign 'Entrepreneurs at Risk'—to highlight that mental health is crucial not only for business owners but also for their families and society as a whole.”
Entrepreneurs at Risk of Burnout
Running a business does not fit within an eight-hour workday—96% of micro-entrepreneurs feel overworked, with 31% experiencing extreme levels of exhaustion. This results in:
Limited time for rest and recovery
🚨6 out of 10 entrepreneurs do not take sick leave, even when ill.
🚨56% avoid vacations longer than a week out of fear for their business.
🚨Nearly half are available by phone 24/7.
🚨Many sacrifice sleep and healthy eating habits.
"The micro-entrepreneurship sector in Poland is like the Great Barrier Reef. From a distance, it looks strong and vibrant, but up close, it consists of delicate organisms highly sensitive to external factors." – Michał Kociankowski, General Manager at Synergion."Entrepreneurs feel lonely, overworked, and unappreciated, which has a massive impact on their mental well-being."
Mental Health Crisis Among Entrepreneurs
🚨 68% of micro-entrepreneurs have experienced signs of a mental health crisis in the past three years.
🚨 57% suffer from chronic anxiety.
🚨 32% are at risk of depression or already show symptoms.
Nearly all entrepreneurs have faced stress, anxiety, or mood swings in recent years. If left unaddressed, these issues take a toll on both the body and mind.
"There is no such thing as 'stress-free' entrepreneurship. The past three years have pushed nearly every business owner into anxiety and uncertainty, which leaves lasting scars.”– Aleksandra Tokarewicz, CEO of Helping Hand.
Women Entrepreneurs at Higher Risk
The report highlights that women entrepreneurs are even more vulnerable than their male counterparts:
🚨54% postpone personal enjoyment indefinitely.
🚨38% are at risk of depression, compared to 28% of men.
🚨70% struggle with sleep problems, compared to 50% of male entrepreneurs.
🚨66% experience recurring fears about their future, compared to 52% of men.
Support for Entrepreneurs’ Mental Health
As part of the "Entrepreneurs at Risk" campaign, micro-entrepreneurs have access to expert materials developed in collaboration with Helping Hand, a mental health support platform. Resources are available at www.nestbank.pl/zdrowie.
The full report (Oolish and English Version) can be downloaded at Nest Bank's website www.nestbank.pl/zdrowie.
📊 The report was prepared based on research by Synergion, including in-depth individual interviews followed by a survey of 908 entrepreneurs. The sample was representative of Poland’s micro-business sector in terms of industry and regional distribution, according to the latest GUS data. Findings were compared with a survey of 1,021 salaried employees, representative in terms of gender, age, and location.
