Work and home, i.e. dilemmas of Polish entrepreneurs

The statutory working time in Poland, of 8 hours, for most entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs is just a theory. In this time, 24 percent work, respectively. and 17 percent of them. Overall entrepreneurs devote 9 hours and 1 minute to managing their business, men – 9 hours and 22 minutes. It is evident that it is men managing micro, small and medium -sized companies are larger workaholics. Every second boss (50 percent) and every third boss (34 percent) work 10 and 11 hours – indicate the authors of the latest EFL report “How Polish entrepreneurs rest. Under the magnifying glass. “

However, this is only part of the picture.

Family and professional life

Agata Zdybicka, co -owner and president of the Mojo group, cited in the report, indicates an important nuance.

– My observations show that although women can formally work less hours a day, our activity does not end after turning off the computer. Running your own company, it is difficult to talk about rigid time frames. We often need to reconcile professional duties with private life, which makes the burden – although differently spread – is equally high. Over the years, however, I notice that more and more women are consciously approaching the issue of work-life balance and are looking for ways to ensure that work does not absorb them completely. I think it is a good direction, because long -term only healthy balance allows success – both professional and personal – says Agata Zdybicka.

According to the EFL report, in the opinion of 8 out of 10 respondents, it is more difficult for women to run their own business than men. They definitely agree with this thesis of a woman (87 percent) than men (77 percent). This may be due to the fact that the combination of the roles of the owner of the company and the parent is a more difficult task for women than men. He believes as much as 91 percent entrepreneurs asked and 77 percent entrepreneurs – state authors of the report.

Most leaders (62 percent) complain about the lack of free time. It is as much as 9 percentage points more than in the case of men. 40 percent entrepreneurs have difficulties in planning free time due to the excess of everyday professional duties (35 % of indications among men, respectively). In addition, definitely more leaders than leaders pointed to family responsibilities as the biggest challenge in planning free time (31 percent vs. 21 %). As we read in the report, a large group of women pointed to a lack of motivation and energy in free time. 18 percent The ladies say directly that he cannot maintain a balance between professional and private life.

Focus instead of perfection

The Enel-Med psychologist, cited in the report, Sylwia Bartczak points out that the greater difficulties experienced by women, associated with a lack of free time and the need to combine professional and family responsibilities, may result from the still persistent differences in the division of social roles.

– Women, despite professional activity, are still more often responsible for home duties and childcare. Combining these roles requires an excellent organization, but also the awareness that you can’t do everything yourself. Planning, setting priorities and delegating responsibilities – both in the company and at home. Entrepreneurs should use available tools, such as flexible working time, process automation or external assistance, e.g. in running a company or childcare. It is equally important to set boundaries and take care of free time, because its lack can lead to burnout and frustration – says Sylwia Bartczak.

He also advises to maintain a balance between professional and private life.

– It is worth focusing on efficiency instead of perfection. The division of family duties should be partner – women should not feel the only ones responsible for home and children, especially when they run their own businesses. It is also good to create bright rules, e.g. determining the time intended only for family or rest. It is also worth looking for support among other women’s entrepreneurs who face similar challenges – says Sylwia Bartczak.

In the thicket of professional and family duties, women have several favorite methods of resetting the body and head, state authors of the report. TOP 5 ways to take care of the welfare of entrepreneurs are periodic release of the pace of work (35 percent), holidays and travel (30 %), physical activity (30 %), developing passion (23 %) and taking care of the diet (22 percent). Only individual people (2 percent) indicated that they do not take any actions aimed at taking care of their welfare. This shows that thinking about yourself, your health and well -being is important for Polish SME managers – the authors of the report conclude. © ℗

Read more in addition DGP Women in business