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Methods to enhance workflow and employee capacity in small businesses

The Work Ability and Growth in Small Businesses knowledge bank provides practical tools to improve workflow and promote well-being in small enterprises. It takes a holistic look at everyday life in small businesses, focusing on the work ability of entrepreneurs and their employees. Current themes include leadership that supports mental well-being and resources for sustainable growth.

Entrepreneurs’ Own Well-Being

An entrepreneur’s ability to cope is essential. Not only for personal health but also for the success of the business. Work engagement refers to a positive emotional and motivational state at work. According to Elo’s 2025 survey of small entrepreneurs (n=239), more than half experience work engagement at least a few times a week. This is an encouraging sign for both entrepreneurs’ well-being and the success of small businesses. Research shows that work engagement is linked to better health and higher productivity.

Explore the information package

Explore the comprehensive information package for small entrepreneurs.

Download the small entrepreneur’s information package (pdf)

Entrepreneurs’ Own Well-Being

An entrepreneur’s ability to cope is essential. Not only for personal health but also for the success of the business. Work engagement refers to a positive emotional and motivational state at work. According to Elo’s 2025 survey of small entrepreneurs (n=239), more than half experience work engagement at least a few times a week. This is an encouraging sign for both entrepreneurs’ well-being and the success of small businesses. Research shows that work engagement is linked to better health and higher productivity.
Work engagement is common among small business owners
Source: Elo Research 2025
A diagram that shows work enthusiasm in small enterprises
Nearly 60% of small business owners who responded to Elo’s survey rated their work ability as at least good.
Source: Elo Research 2025
A diagram that shows the state of work ability in small enterprises

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

A large share of employees in small companies experience well-being at work. At the same time, it is important to identify areas for improvement and adopt additional measures that support work ability, so that as many people as possible can enjoy a smooth and well-being-oriented workday.
Monitoring mental workload is more often seen as an area for improvement in small enterprises
Source: Elo Research 2025
A diagram that shows work ability management practices 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
Source: Elo Research 2025
Diagram that shows how enthusiasm at work effects on employee experience

Promoting Mental Well-Being in Everyday Work in Small Businesses

  • Encouragement and recognition for work.

  • Practical support for daily tasks

  • Fostering open dialogue

  • Identifyingearlywarningsigns

  • Responding to warningsigns

  • Providingearly and intensifiedsupport

  • Utilizingexpertassistance

A picture of three people playing board game around a table

Strategies for Growth That Supports Work Ability

  • Leading learning during changes in competence requirements

  • Clarifyingrolesduringgrowth

  • Monitoringjobdemands and workload

  • Maintaining community and ensuring smooth communication

  • Managing growth through developing structures and operating models

A picture of person listening to music with headphones and smiling

Explore the information package

Explore the comprehensive information package for small entrepreneurs.

Download the small entrepreneur’s information package (pdf)

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