Construction company managers still under pressure, according to the 11th edition of the ARTIsanté barometer

This annual survey, focusing on the working conditions and health of artisans, highlights the dynamics at work in these professions, between passion, fatigue and the need for support.

A sustained work pace

Although still high, the pace of work for executives is experiencing a slight downturn. In 2024, 19% of respondents report working more than 60 hours per week, compared to 21% in 2023 and 23% in 2022. Fewer respondents also work every weekend, and more have taken time off this year.

However, this relative calm doesn't necessarily translate into a better quality of life. 57% of executives continue to check their emails daily while on vacation, and for 54% of them, "they have no choice": customers and suppliers expect immediate responses. This demand for immediacy adds to administrative complexity, creating an increased mental burden.

Administrative work, still in the top three for stress

Workload (53%), the weight of responsibilities (44%), and administrative burden (41%) once again constitute the top three sources of stress this year. Administrative complexity remains a major obstacle, particularly for companies with employees. The simplification measures recently implemented, particularly through the Simplification Meetings, must now translate into concrete action to relieve these entrepreneurs. The lack of tangible support exacerbates this situation, leaving artisans facing administrative challenges without sufficient assistance.

Economic uncertainties and need for increased support

Despite economic uncertainties, 41% of business leaders surveyed say they are optimistic about the future of their business, a slight increase compared to 2023 (38%).

However, political uncertainties at the beginning of the year and an unstable finance law have not made forecasting any easier. Moreover, more and more of them believe that the sustainability of their business is threatened.

Despite the mental and physical demands of their daily lives, 68% say they are completely fulfilled in their job and 60% in their role as business leader: proof that passion remains an essential driving force behind their commitment.

Furthermore, the fact that business leaders are more inclined to talk about their difficulties, whether economic or psychological, is an encouraging sign. But few of them actually seek help, preferring to turn to their spouse, who is on the front line to absorb this pressure.

For Jean-Christophe Repon, President of CAPEB: "This barometer illustrates a well-known but still under-addressed reality: the mental burden of business leaders. It is often linked to a constant demand for immediacy, increasing administrative complexity, and a lack of support. Administrative simplification can no longer wait. It is urgent to provide concrete answers and tangible measures to ease this burden and offer real support to building tradespeople."

For Pascal Rineau, President of the CNATP: "The volume of working hours for craft business owners remains very high, particularly in our small businesses where all responsibilities rest with a single person. For several years, the share of activity devoted to non-productive administrative tasks has continued to increase, in an increasingly procedural environment. Added to this are the changing expectations of increasingly rushed customers, cash flow difficulties, uncertain order books, and an unstable political climate, which are increasing the pressure."

Methodology

The ARTISANTE barometer, dedicated to the working conditions and health of construction and landscaping craftspeople, was carried out online in 2024. The survey, conducted among 3.029 business leaders with 0 to 19 employees, is managed by CAPEB, in partnership with IRIS-ST and CNATP.

Find the full study here

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.