Methods to enhance workflow and employee capacity in small businesses
Entrepreneurs’ Own Well-Being
Entrepreneurs’ Own Well-Being
Work engagement is common among small business owners

Nearly 60% of small business owners who responded to Elo’s survey rated their work ability as at least good.

Key Resources and stress factors for small entrepreneurs
The strongest resources supporting small business owners are their own work community and external networks. Other important factors include having influence over their own work, as well as variety and meaningfulness in their tasks.
The main stressors for small business owners stem from their operating environment, such as market conditions and rising costs. Time pressure, workload, and uncertainty about having enough work or adapting to changes also add strain.
Employee Well-Being in Small Businesses
Monitoring mental workload is more often seen as an area for improvement in small enterprises

Supporting Work Ability in Growing Companies
Growth brings meaningful development opportunities for employees, new jobs, and financial benefits. At the same time, it introduces changes to daily work, creates new processes, reshapes roles, and often raises job demands. During periods of growth, the following key factors are linked to maintaining good work ability in SMEs:
- A sense of competence to meet job demands
- Smooth workflow
- Recovery from work
Good recovery from work, a strong sense of competence to meet job demands, and smooth workflow are all linked to stronger work ability in growing companies. During periods of growth, it is especially important to monitor employee experience in these three areas.
Elo’s data-driven management services provide tools to measure different aspects of employee experience. By investing in strengthening these three core resources, research shows that companies can prevent sickness absences and create conditions for productivity.
Three key factors for work ability in growing small enterprises

Promoting Mental Well-Being in Everyday Work in Small Businesses
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Encouragement and recognition for work.
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Practical support for daily tasks
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Fostering open dialogue
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Identifyingearlywarningsigns
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Responding to warningsigns
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Providingearly and intensifiedsupport
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Utilizingexpertassistance
Strategies for Growth That Supports Work Ability
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Leading learning during changes in competence requirements
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Clarifyingrolesduringgrowth
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Monitoringjobdemands and workload
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Maintaining community and ensuring smooth communication
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Managing growth through developing structures and operating models