IFOP partnered with the MMA Corporate Foundation for Entrepreneurs of the Future to conductthe 11th edition of its annual survey on the well-being of business leaders.
The study surveyed 1,000 executives from microbusinesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-sized companies throughout France.
This 2026 edition focuses on the mental health of business leaders, against a backdrop marked by the burden of administrative constraints and economic uncertainties.
While 88% of executives report being in generally good health, 85% say they experience at least one physical or psychological condition.
Exhaustion and muscle tension, sleep disorders, anxiety, and loss of motivation are among the most frequently cited issues.
Most notably, one in two executives reports currently facing or having faced psychological difficulties.
Regulatory and administrative burdens appear to be the primary source of daily stress, ahead of work overload and economic uncertainty.
These difficulties have significant repercussions, both on personal life—sleep, mental strain, irritability—and on professional activity.
Among executives struggling with these issues, 34% are even considering shutting down their business.
However, only 28% of executives are currently receiving or wish to receive support—a figure that illustrates the persistent isolation executives face when dealing with these challenges.
