Renunciation of medical care, abandonment of children’s plans… The leaders of small businesses make big sacrifices for their activity

Although the vast majority of them say they are in good physical shape, the managers of VSEs, SMEs and medium-sized companies (ETI) give a lot to their activity. The annual barometer of the MMA corporate foundation, unveiled on Tuesday June 19, reveals that 31% of business leaders have already given up consulting a doctor over the past 12 months. In three-quarters of cases, it’s because they prioritize their work responsibilities.

>> Companies: the bosses of VSEs and SMEs are once again optimistic about their 2023 results

12% of them admit that they never see a doctor. And if 29% of the leaders of small companies maintain a regular follow-up for preventive examinations, this proportion remains 13 points lower than the national average.

The will to slow down

The sacrifices of these bosses sometimes go so far as to give up having children. According to Sylvie Bonnello, the general delegate of the MMA foundation, it is not the fact of having children that frightens them, but the prospect of having to stop six to 12 months when the health of the leader is the first immaterial capital of the company. This means that 19% of bosses – almost one in five, men and women combined – among those under 35 are ready to give up the idea of ​​having children so as not to penalize their business. In the same spirit, 13% of respondents admit that they have not been able to provide help to a dependent relative.

These business leaders are therefore beginning to want to slow down. Still according to Sylvie Bonello, they lived three very complicated years, and they are men and women like the others. This means that a third – 35% – are planning to shake things up by taking a break from their career. First to allow themselves more rest and leisure – 14% aspire to “do nothing” – or simply to change activity. They are 18% in this case, including 5% to want to find a salaried activity.