Psychosocial risks in small enterprises: The mediating role of perceived working conditions in the relationship between enterprise size and workers’ anxious or depressive episodes

Encrenaz et al., 2018

Keywords: psychosocial factors, occupational mental health, small enterprises, psychological stress, cross-sectional studies

The Study: The study examines the relationship between enterprise size and psychosocial working conditions, considering evidence that these may be more favorable in small enterprises and may positively impact workers’ mental health. The objective was to test the mediating effect of perceived working conditions in the relationship between enterprise size and the occurrence of anxious or depressive episodes. Data from the 2010 French SUMER cross-sectional survey were analyzed (N=31,420). Anxious or depressive episodes were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), while perceived working conditions included psychological demand, decision latitude, and social support, assessed through Karasek’s Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). The indirect effect was tested using the method proposed by Preacher and Hayes (2008).

Key Findings: The results showed that the risk of anxious or depressive episodes was lower in micro-enterprises (2–9 employees). Formal tests indicated a significant indirect effect of enterprise size on mental health through perceived working conditions, with a stronger effect observed for psychological demand.

Practical Implications: The findings suggest that perceived working conditions play a key role in explaining the relationship between enterprise size and workers’ mental health. This highlights the importance of interventions aimed at improving psychosocial working conditions, particularly psychological demand, regardless of company size.

Reference: Gaëlle Encrenaz, Sonia Laberon, Christine Lagabrielle, Gautier Debruyne, Jacques Pouyaud & Nicole Rascle (2018): Psychosocial risks in small enterprises: The mediating role of perceived working conditions in the relationship between enterprise size and workers’ anxious or depressive episodes, International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2018.1452457

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