Job stressors and health of SME directors

Few studies have explored the job stressors and occupational health of directors of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), especially in a French context. This present study aimed to identify occupational stressors of French SME directors (including owner directors and salaried directors). This study also compares the stressors observed in the French context with those identified in the international literature. Finally, it assesses the actual impact of stressors on emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction and sleep disorders. Based on a mixed methods design, a qualitative study via interviews was first conducted with 14 French directors of SMEs, followed by a quantitative questionnaire study with 881 French directors of SMEs (divided into owner and salaried directors). Finally, several analyses were conducted, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The qualitative study resulted in a 36-item list of main job stressors. Factor analyses identified four stress factors: human resources and management issues, economic and ethical stressors, client-related relational stressors, and time pressure. These stressors were significantly associated with the three outcomes. Though sharing the same four types of stressors, some differences emerged between owner and salaried directors. This study contributes to knowledge and provides useful information for practical interventions by health professionals (e.g., better adjustment of preventive measures, social barometer) and a self-assessment tool for SME directors.